Nigeria’s Power Minister Adelabu Resigns to Contest Oyo State Governorship
Abuja, Nigeria — Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has resigned from his federal cabinet position to pursue his ambition to become governor of Oyo State. In a formal letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu announced his resignation would take effect on April 30, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Adelabu, who has held the ministerial role since August 2023, described his decision as one made with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.” He stated that stepping down would allow sufficient time for an orderly handover of duties at the Ministry of Power.
The resignation follows reports that Adelabu had secured the approval of President Tinubu to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for Oyo State governor. The move aligns with a broader trend of federal appointees resigning to contest state-level elections, a practice permitted under Nigerian electoral law to maintain neutrality during campaigns.
Adelabu’s tenure as power minister was marked by efforts to address Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages, including initiatives to boost generation capacity and improve distribution networks. His departure leaves a vacancy in a critical ministry as the country continues to grapple with energy challenges.
The APC is expected to hold its gubernatorial primaries in Oyo State in the coming months, with Adelabu positioning himself as a leading contender. Political analysts note that his federal experience could bolster his campaign, though he faces competition from other aspirants within the party.
President Tinubu has yet to announce a replacement for Adelabu, but the appointment is likely to draw attention given the strategic importance of the power sector to Nigeria’s economic development.
