By Rejoice Peterside
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from his position in the Federal Government, signaling his intention to contest the governorship election in Oyo State ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Adelabu’s resignation was conveyed in a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu. In the letter, he stated that his exit would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth and orderly transition of responsibilities within the ministry.
According to the former minister, the decision was taken with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude,” as he reflected on his time in office and the opportunity to serve the country.
“I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities,” the letter read.
Adelabu expressed appreciation to the President for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a privilege and a rare opportunity to contribute to national development.
“Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity. It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation,” he stated.
He explained that his resignation was primarily driven by his decision to focus fully on his long-standing governorship ambition in Oyo State, noting that the move aligns with provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars political office holders from contesting elections while still in office.
“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal,” he added.
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s resignation marks a significant political development as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the next round of elections, particularly in Oyo State where he is expected to be a major contender in the governorship race.
His exit also leaves a key vacancy in the power sector leadership at a time when the government continues to push reforms aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.
