Adebayo Adelabu resigned as Nigeria’s Minister of Power on April 22, 2026. He intends to pursue a governorship position in Oyo State. His resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026.
Adelabu addressed his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu. In the letter, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the federal government. He stated, “It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership.”
This resignation aligns with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026. It marks a significant political development ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle in Oyo State. Adelabu’s ambition to govern Oyo State dates back to 2016.
Before becoming Minister of Power, Adelabu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. His experience in finance and governance positions him as a strong candidate for the governorship role.
During his tenure as Minister, Adelabu faced challenges within the energy sector. Nigeria can generate more than 13,000 MW of electricity but can only transmit less than 6,000 MW. This disparity has raised concerns about power supply across the nation.
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his commitment to improving electricity access. He promised that citizens would no longer pay for estimated bills during a recent town hall meeting. Yet, challenges remain in achieving constant power supply within four years.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, participated in a panel session on countering terrorism at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum earlier this month. The discussions there highlighted ongoing security issues that impact governance and development across Nigeria.
Adebayo Adelabu’s decision to step down is strategic. It allows him to focus fully on his gubernatorial ambition while reflecting broader political shifts within Nigeria as elections approach.