The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council, bringing an end to his tenure in the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he prepares to re-enter the political arena in Oyo State.
The resignation, which will take effect from April 30, 2026, was formally confirmed on Wednesday following the submission of Adelabu’s letter to the Presidency. The correspondence, dated April 22, 2026, was addressed directly to the President and referenced FMP/HM/SGF/026/I/001.
In the letter, Adelabu explained that his decision to step down was driven by his long-standing ambition to contest the governorship of Oyo State. He stated clearly that his exit from the federal cabinet was necessary to enable him focus fully on his political aspirations, noting that the ambition had been part of his career trajectory for nearly a decade.
“To pursue my long-standing gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” Adelabu wrote, underscoring the central motivation behind his resignation.
The former minister traced the roots of his political journey back to 2016, when he first nursed the ambition to lead Oyo State. He further recalled that his resignation as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018 was also linked to the same political objective, demonstrating a consistent commitment to that goal over the years.
Adelabu used the opportunity of his resignation letter to express gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing Nigeria’s power sector. He described his time in office as both challenging and impactful, emphasizing the critical role of electricity in national development.
According to him, the power sector remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, economic expansion, and overall development. He noted that serving in such a strategic ministry offered him the opportunity to contribute to reforms aimed at improving energy supply and strengthening infrastructure.
He also highlighted that his decision to resign ahead of time was partly informed by the need to ensure a smooth and orderly transition within the Ministry of Power. By stepping aside before the peak of political activities, Adelabu said he intended to allow for proper handover processes and continuity in policy implementation.
His departure comes at a time when Nigeria’s power sector continues to grapple with longstanding challenges, including inadequate generation capacity, weak transmission networks, and inefficiencies in electricity distribution. Despite ongoing reforms and investments, the sector has remained a focal point of public concern, with businesses and households frequently affected by unstable power supply.
During his tenure, Adelabu was involved in efforts aimed at stabilising the sector, including policy initiatives designed to improve generation output and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders in the electricity value chain. However, like many of his predecessors, he faced structural constraints that have historically limited rapid transformation in the sector.
Political analysts believe that his resignation will have immediate implications for both the federal cabinet and the political landscape in Oyo State. Within the federal government, attention is now shifting to who will succeed him as Minister of Power, either in an acting capacity or as a substantive appointee.
Although no official replacement has been announced, sources within government circles suggest that an interim arrangement may be introduced to ensure continuity while the President considers a permanent nominee. Such a move would be in line with past practice, where key ministries are temporarily overseen by senior officials pending confirmation of new ministers.
In Oyo State, Adelabu’s decision is expected to intensify political activities ahead of the next governorship election. His re-entry into the race is likely to reshape alliances, revive old rivalries, and introduce new dynamics into the contest.
Adelabu is not new to the governorship race in Oyo State. He previously contested the position but was unsuccessful, making his latest move a renewed attempt to secure the mandate of the people. Observers say his experience in both the financial sector and federal government could serve as an advantage as he seeks to reposition himself politically.
However, his ambition is also expected to face stiff competition from other political actors within the state, including both established figures and emerging contenders. The governorship race in Oyo has historically been competitive, often reflecting broader political trends in the South-West region.
Stakeholders note that Adelabu’s campaign will likely focus on his experience in public service, particularly his role in managing the power sector, as well as his background in finance and economic policy. At the same time, he may need to address public perceptions about his previous electoral performance and articulate a clear vision for governance in Oyo State.
As preparations for the election gather momentum, political parties are expected to intensify consultations, coalition-building efforts, and grassroots mobilisation. Adelabu’s entry into the race adds another layer of complexity to an already evolving political environment.
Meanwhile, within the federal government, his resignation marks yet another cabinet change under President Tinubu, reflecting the fluid nature of political appointments and the intersection between governance and electoral ambitions in Nigeria.
With less than a week before his resignation takes effect, attention will remain on both the transition process within the Ministry of Power and the unfolding political developments in Oyo State, as Adelabu shifts focus from national administration to state-level politics.
