Adebayo Adelabu has stepped down as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, saying he wants to fully focus on his plan to run for governor of Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said his exit will take effect from April 30.
The letter was submitted through the office of the George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to ensure a smooth handover.
He described his time in office as an honour, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to reforms in the power sector an area he called critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Adelabu explained that stepping down now would allow him to focus fully on his long-standing political ambition.
He noted that his governorship bid dates back to 2016, during his time at the Central Bank of Nigeria, where he served as a deputy governor before resigning in 2018 to pursue the same goal.
He also pointed to the Electoral Act 2026, which bars serving political office holders from contesting elections, saying his resignation was necessary to comply with the law.
“Serving in this administration has been a privilege,” he said, adding that he remains proud of the role he played in efforts to improve Nigeria’s power sector.
