Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned as Nigeria's Minister of Power, submitting a letter dated April 22, 2026, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The resignation takes effect April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth handover, as stated in the letter. Adelabu cited his intention to "focus fully" on his gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State as the reason for stepping down. He described his appointment as minister a "rare honour" and acknowledged President Tinubu's support during his tenure.
This move contradicts earlier denials from Adelabu and his aides. On March 31, broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye reported that the minister dismissed a previous resignation letter as fake, noting Adelabu does not sign official documents with a blue pen. His media aide, Bolaji Tunji, also termed the earlier report "fake news." The newly surfaced letter, however, appears authentic and aligns with President Tinubu's directive requiring political appointees with 2027 election ambitions to resign by March 31, 2026. Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said his political interest in Oyo State dates back to 2016.
He is widely expected to contest the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress. The conflicting narratives around the timing and authenticity of his resignation have sparked debate over the sequence of events and the credibility of earlier statements from his team.
Adelabu's resignation now, after insisting in March that earlier reports were false, creates a gap between his public stance and private action. His shift comes only after President Tinubu's deadline for political appointees to step down, raising questions about timing and transparency. Oyo residents who followed his earlier denials may find it difficult to reconcile his current move with his previous assurances. The situation leaves voters to assess whether his delayed exit reflects strategic planning or political indecision.
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