Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has formally tendered his resignation from the Federal Executive Council, citing his decision to fully pursue his long-standing governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Adelabu said his resignation would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition and orderly handover of responsibilities.
The letter, titled “Letter of Resignation as Honourable Minister of Power,” was received by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the same day.
“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,” he stated.
“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 outgoing minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve in one of the country’s most strategic sectors.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Explaining the reason for his resignation, Adelabu said the decision was driven by his determination to focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, an aspiration he said dates back to 2016 during his time as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” he stated.
“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 that in line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars political office holders from contesting elective positions without resignation, stepping down at this time had become both appropriate and necessary.
The resignation is expected to trigger fresh political calculations in Oyo State as the race for the 2027 governorship election gradually gathers momentum.
