Adebayo Adelabu has resigned as Nigeria’s minister of power, despite efforts by Bola Tinubu to dissuade him, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Adelabu 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. A spokesperson for the office confirmed the resignation but declined further comment.
Officials said Adelabu stepped down to pursue his ambition to run for governor of Oyo State in the 2027 elections. His resignation takes effect April 30 to allow for a transition.
Tinubu had earlier directed political appointees seeking elective office to resign by March 31, in line with provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act and the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of party primaries.
While several ministers complied with the directive, Adelabu resigned more than three weeks after the deadline. However, officials said the March 31 date was administrative and not legally binding, noting that the law requires resignation at least 30 days before party primaries.
Sources in the presidency said Tinubu had urged Adelabu to remain in office and even considered him for a possible appointment as minister of finance following the exit of Wale Edun.
“The president didn’t want him to go,” one senior official said, adding that Tinubu questioned Adelabu’s chances of winning the governorship ticket before ultimately wishing him well.
Adelabu’s aides also said he received the president’s blessing before resigning. They described the move as voluntary and consistent with his past decisions, including his earlier resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria where he served as deputy governor.
Adelabu, who previously contested for governor of Oyo State, is seeking the office again in 2027.
