Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council ahead of his planned bid for the Oyo State governorship election in 2027. His resignation was contained in a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The resignation is expected to take effect on April 30.
Adelabu forwarded the letter through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in line with procedures guiding the exit of cabinet members. He said stepping down at this stage would allow for a smooth handover in the Ministry of Power and ensure continuity in ongoing reforms within the sector.
The former minister said his decision was informed by the need to focus fully on his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections in Oyo State. He also noted that the move aligns with provisions of Nigeria’s electoral process, which require political appointees seeking elective offices to vacate their positions before participating in elections.
Adelabu thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in the administration. He said his time in office was dedicated to reforms aimed at improving electricity generation, strengthening transmission infrastructure and enhancing efficiency across the distribution chain.
Nigeria’s power sector remains one of the country’s most critical economic sectors, with longstanding challenges including inadequate generation capacity, weak transmission networks and distribution shortfalls continuing to affect supply across the country.
Adelabu’s governorship ambition marks a return to frontline politics in Oyo State. In 2018, he resigned from the Central Bank of Nigeria, where he held a senior management position, to contest the state governorship election.
His latest move is expected to trigger fresh political consultations and alignments among stakeholders in Oyo State as parties begin early preparations for the 2027 governorship race. The resignation also creates a vacancy in the Federal Executive Council and adds to the growing list of political movements ahead of the next general elections.
