Bayo Adelabu Resigns: Power Minister Steps Down to Pursue Oyo Governorship Ambition
Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed a significant development as Bayo Adelabu resigns from his position as the Minister of Power, marking a major shift within President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Adebayo Adelabu formally tendered his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to reports, his resignation will officially take effect on April 30, 2026, allowing for a smooth transition and handover of responsibilities.
The former minister explained that his decision was driven by his intention to fully concentrate on his long-standing ambition to contest for the governorship of Oyo State. He noted that stepping down aligns with provisions of Nigeria’s amended Electoral Act, which requires public office holders seeking elective positions to resign within a stipulated timeframe.
In his resignation letter, Adelabu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation, describing his tenure as both an honour and a responsibility. He highlighted that contributing to reforms in the power sector was one of the most critical assignments of his career, given the importance of electricity to Nigeria’s economic development.
During his time in office, Adelabu pointed to several achievements in the power sector. These included the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralized the electricity market, and efforts to improve power generation capacity. He also noted that peak power generation increased significantly, reaching over 6,000 megawatts, alongside improvements in revenue generation and sector reforms.
Despite these gains, Adelabu acknowledged that the sector continues to face persistent challenges, such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for better coordination among key stakeholders. He suggested that the appointment of a coordinating minister for energy could help address these issues and drive more integrated policy execution across the sector.
His resignation makes him one of several ministers to exit the Federal Executive Council in recent days, signaling a period of political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts note that such moves are typical as politicians reposition themselves for electoral contests, particularly in key states like Oyo.
Adelabu’s governorship ambition is not new. He previously contested in Oyo State and has remained an influential political figure in the region. His decision to step down now is seen as a strategic move to focus fully on campaigning and political engagements at the grassroots level.
The Presidency has acknowledged his resignation, emphasizing that the move is in line with democratic principles and legal requirements. Officials have also reassured the public that the ongoing reforms in the power sector will continue despite the leadership transition.
Reactions to the development have been mixed. Some political observers commend Adelabu for adhering to the law and prioritizing due process, while others question the timing of the resignation, given the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector. Critics argue that leadership continuity is crucial to sustaining reform momentum, especially in a sector that directly impacts businesses and daily life.
On the other hand, supporters believe that his exit could open the door for fresh leadership and new ideas to tackle long-standing issues in the power industry. They also point out that his proposed idea of a coordinating minister for energy reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing systemic inefficiencies.
As Bayo Adelabu resigns, attention now shifts to who will succeed him and how the transition will affect Nigeria’s power sector reforms. With electricity remaining a critical pillar of economic growth, stakeholders are keenly watching developments to ensure that progress made so far is not disrupted.
The coming weeks are expected to bring further clarity on cabinet adjustments and the political dynamics shaping the lead-up to the 2027 elections, with Adelabu’s resignation marking one of the earliest significant moves in the unfolding political season.
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