In a significant shake-up to the federal cabinet, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially resigned his position to focus on his gubernatorial ambitions in Oyo State.

​The resignation, contained in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, marks the end of Adelabu’s tenure as the head of the nation’s energy sector. The Minister noted that his departure would take effect on April 30, 2026, providing a short window for a transition of responsibilities within the Ministry.

​Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, cited the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026 as the primary driver for the timing of his exit. The law mandates that political appointees must vacate their offices before contesting elective positions. Expressing “profound gratitude” for the opportunity to serve, Adelabu highlighted his role in advancing critical power sector reforms as a cornerstone of the administration’s industrial growth agenda.

​This move signals the formal commencement of what is expected to be a high-stakes battle for the Oyo State governorship. Adelabu’s political journey has been defined by this pursuit since 2016, and his early exit from the federal cabinet underscores his intent to consolidate his base ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle. As the Presidency prepares to fill the vacancy in the Ministry of Power, political observers view this development as the first of several expected departures from the cabinet as the 2027 election season begins to take shape.