Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his long-anticipated governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, allowing for what he described as a smooth transition within the Ministry of Power.
The minister noted that copies of the correspondence were also forwarded through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with administrative protocol.
Adelabu, who has overseen key reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet. He described his tenure as both an honour and a chance to contribute to national development, particularly in advancing reforms critical to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“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,” he wrote.
The former minister explained that his decision to contest the governorship election was driven by a long-standing political ambition dating back to 2016, when he served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He recalled that he had previously stepped down from the apex bank in 2018 to pursue the same goal.
Citing provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, Adelabu said his resignation aligns with legal requirements barring public office holders from retaining their positions while contesting elective offices.
As of press time, President Tinubu has yet to name a replacement or designate an acting minister to oversee the affairs of the power ministry, headquartered in Maitama District.