Adelabu still in charge as Power Minister — Aide dismisses resignation

The Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Bolaji Tunji, has debunked the reports going round that his principal has resigned from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as minister.

Reacting during a telephone conversation with Tribune Online, Tunji, who had earlier not responded to a WhatsApp message, dismissed the report as false.

“The phone has not been with me. I’ve not had my phone with me… It (the minister’s resignation) is fake. He (Adelabu) has not resigned. That’s fake, it’s fake news. I’m going to send something,” he said.

Their decisions were in line with a directive by President Tinubu, asking appointees with electoral aspirations to resign from their positions. While Tuggar is seeking the APC governorship ticket in Bauchi State, Sununu is pursuing a senatorial bid in Kebbi State.

In a letter titled ”Resignation as Honourable Minister” with the seal of office and allegedly signed by Adelabu, the minister said he was resigning to contest for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State “and to dedicate my time and resources to that endeavour.”

The letter read, “I write with profound gratitude to Your Excellency to formally tender my resignation from my position as the Honourable Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I wish to sincerely thank Your Excellency for the confidence reposed in me and the opportunity given to serve our great nation under your administration.

“It has been a privilege contributing to the efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector in line with your Renewed Hope Agenda.

“My decision to resign is to enable me fully pursue my aspiration to contest for the office of the Governor of Oyo State and to dedicate my time and resources to that endeavor.

“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest respect and appreciation.”

President Tinubu appointed Adelabu as the Minister of Power on August 16, 2023.

He has contested for the governorship of Oyo State twice. He was the candidate of the APC in 2019 and contested under the Accord Party in 2023. Power, while the APC secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, is reportedly witnessing increased activity following the announcement.