Adelabu resigns as power minister, joins Oyo gov race

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the next election cycle. His resignation, dated April 22 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, will take effect on April 30 to allow for a smooth transfer of duties.

Adelabu said he stepped down to focus fully on his governorship race, saying the move also aligns with provisions of the amended Electoral Act, which bars political office holders from contesting elections while still in office. He routed the resignation through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

In the letter, the former minister thanked the President for the opportunity to serve in government and described his time in office as a privilege. He said he was proud to have contributed to reforms in the power sector during his tenure.

He also linked his latest decision to a long-standing political ambition, noting that his interest in governing Oyo State dates back several years. According to him, the ambition had influenced earlier career decisions, including his departure from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018.

His resignation is seen as a major political development in Oyo State, where attention is already turning to the governorship contest. Adelabu is expected to join the race as political calculations begin to take shape ahead of the polls.

The development also creates a vacancy in the power ministry, with attention now expected to shift to who may succeed him as the administration continues work in the energy sector.