Adebayo Adelabu resigns as Minister of Power against President Tinubu鈥檚 wishes
via Punch Nigeria6 min read
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 cabinet to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, despite President Tinubu's efforts to dissuade him. Adelabu's resignation, announced in a letter dated April 22, 2026, and effective April 30, 2026, came 22 days after President Tinubu's directive for political appointees intending to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026. While four other ministers resigned by the deadline, sources indicate that Adelabu's delay was due to President Tinubu's desire for him to remain in the cabinet, even considering him for the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy position after Wale Edun鈥檚 resignation. Insiders revealed that President Tinubu had sent intermediaries to caution Adelabu against resigning and, during a meeting, asked about his chances of winning the governorship, to which Adelabu expressed confidence. President Tinubu reportedly defended Adelabu's performance amidst public criticism of the power sector. An ally of the minister stated that Adelabu had a project to complete before his resignation and that he received President Tinubu's blessing. Adelabu's media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that the minister had President Tinubu's approval, noting Adelabu's history of resigning from high positions to pursue his convictions, including from the Central Bank of Nigeria as Deputy Governor. Adelabu, who previously contested and lo
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