ABUJA:  The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially tendered his resignation from the Federal Executive Council to focus on his gubernatorial aspirations in Oyo State.

In a formal letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and dated April 22, 2026, Adelabu confirmed that his departure will take effect on April 30, 2026. The one-week window is intended to facilitate a seamless transition and an orderly handover of responsibilities within the Ministry of Power.

Commitment to the "Renewed Hope" Agenda

Routing the correspondence through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Adelabu expressed "profound gratitude" for the opportunity to serve in the current administration.

"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," the letter read.

Adelabu’s tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the national grid and implement structural reforms aimed at improving energy distribution across the federation.

Alignment with Electoral Regulations

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor cited the Amended Electoral Act 2026 as a primary factor in the timing of his exit. The Act requires political appointees to vacate their positions before contesting elective offices.

Adelabu noted that his governorship ambition is a long-standing pursuit, tracing back to his voluntary resignation from the CBN in 2018 to contest the same seat.

Key Takeaways from the Resignation:

• Effective Date: April 30, 2026.

• Reason: Pursuit of the Oyo State Governorship seat.

• Legal Context: Compliance with the Amended Electoral Act 2026.

Political Implications

Adelabu’s exit is viewed as a significant shift in the political landscape of Oyo State. Having previously contested for the state's top office, his early entry into the race signals a high-stakes battle for the Agodi Government House in the upcoming electoral cycle.

The Presidency has yet to announce a successor or an acting minister to oversee the power portfolio following Adelabu’s departure on April 30.