By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, stepped down from the Federal Executive Council against the wish of President Bola Tinubu, insisting on pursuing his governorship ambition in Oyo State, according to a report by The Punch.
In its report, The Punch, citing sources familiar with developments, said Tinubu had made efforts to dissuade Adelabu from resigning, even avoiding direct discussions on the matter for weeks.
Adelabu eventually submitted his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, addressed to the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His exit is to take effect from April 30 to allow for a smooth transition.
The development followed an earlier directive by the Presidency requiring all political appointees seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to vacate their positions on or before March 31, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Although some ministers complied within the stipulated timeframe, Adelabu’s resignation came over three weeks later, a delay insiders described as strategic rather than defiant.
According to The Punch, a senior Presidency official disclosed that Tinubu had initially considered Adelabu for a higher portfolio, including the position of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following changes within the cabinet.
“The President did not want him to go. He asked him directly about his chances, and Adelabu expressed confidence he would secure the ticket and win. The President wished him well,” the source was quoted as saying.
Another official reportedly noted that Tinubu had consistently defended Adelabu’s performance in the power sector, despite public criticism over recurring grid collapses and tariff concerns, maintaining that the sector’s challenges extend beyond a single officeholder.
Further clarification from sources indicated that while the March 31 deadline was issued administratively, the legal requirement under the Electoral Act allows resignation at least 30 days before party primaries, placing Adelabu within the permissible window.
Allies of the former minister also told The Punch that he delayed his exit to conclude key responsibilities within the ministry, adding that he maintained a cordial relationship with the President throughout the process.
His media aide, Femi Awogboro, affirmed that Adelabu secured Tinubu’s blessing before resigning, describing the decision as consistent with his long-standing political ambition and personal conviction.
Adelabu, who previously served as Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria, has contested the Oyo governorship twice and is expected to make another bid in 2027.
However, political signals within the All Progressives Congress suggest that other contenders, including Sharafadeen Alli, may also emerge as strong forces ahead of the party’s primaries.