Dare Babalola
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally stepped down from his position to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, in compliance with a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu requiring all political appointees seeking elective office to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The resignation, conveyed in a letter dated March 26 and addressed to the President through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, marks a significant development within the Federal Executive Council as political realignments ahead of the next election cycle begin to take shape.
In the letter, Adelabu expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in his administration and contribute to reforms in the nation’s power sector.
“I write with profound gratitude to Your Excellency to formally tender my resignation from my position as the Honourable Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish to sincerely thank Your Excellency for the confidence reposed in me and the opportunity given to serve our great nation under your administration. It has been a privilege contributing to the efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector in line with your Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My decision to resign is to enable me fully pursue my aspiration to contest for the office of Governor of Oyo State and to dedicate my time and resources to that endeavour.”
The move follows President Tinubu’s earlier directive mandating all cabinet members and other political appointees with ambitions to contest elective offices to vacate their positions by the end of March.
Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has long been a key political figure in Oyo State and previously contested the governorship election.
His resignation is expected to set the stage for a renewed campaign as he seeks to clinch the state’s top seat.
During his tenure as Minister of Power, Adelabu oversaw several initiatives aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, although the sector continues to face persistent challenges.
With his exit, attention is likely to shift to his political strategy in Oyo State, as well as the federal government’s next move in filling the leadership gap in the power ministry.
