The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has finally tendered his resignation from office, bringing to an end long-standing political speculation and rumours surrounding his future in government.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu confirmed that his exit from office will take effect on April 30, 2026. He stated that his decision was driven by his intention to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
His resignation comes after years of recurring political rumours about his exit from federal cabinet positions, particularly in relation to his long-standing interest in elective office.
In the letter, Adelabu expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege and a period of meaningful contribution to national development in the power sector.
He also proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy, a role he said would be necessary to harmonise reforms across the power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors. According to him, such coordination is essential for sustaining reforms and improving efficiency in Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.
Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, said Adelabu conveyed deep gratitude to the Presidency and assured a seamless transition process.
Adelabu noted that his resignation aligns with provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026, which restricts serving political office holders from actively contesting elections while in office. He added that his political ambition dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In his resignation letter, the Minister highlighted key achievements recorded under his leadership, including reforms under the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the power sector and improved investment participation.
He stated that peak power generation rose to over 6,000 megawatts during his tenure, supported by the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and rehabilitation of key thermal stations. He also pointed to transmission upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative and improvements in distribution efficiency, revenue collection, and metering expansion through ongoing national programmes.
Adelabu further disclosed that sector revenues increased significantly following tariff reforms and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring initiative, rising from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025.
Despite these gains, he acknowledged persistent challenges such as gas supply shortages, vandalism of power infrastructure, and the need for full commercialisation of the electricity value chain.
He recommended continued reforms including cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated metering rollout, and sustained transmission investments.
His central proposal, however, remains the establishment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across critical sectors, a move he believes is necessary for long-term stability and growth in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Adelabu concluded by thanking the President for the trust reposed in him and pledged commitment to a smooth handover process.
