Adelabu Refutes Resignation Claims, Affirms Oyo Governorship Ambition

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has denied rumours of his resignation circulating on social media following the expiration of a March 31 deadline.

According to reports by Channels Television, Mr Adelabu noted that the letter in circulation was fake as he had written such a letter.

However, he affirmed his interest in running for the Oyo State governorship race in 2027, adding that he would act at the appropriate time.

Mr Adelabu, reacting to the need for clarity about the said letter and his ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said, “Of course, yes, I am very much in the race.

“But I will act at the appropriate time, and you will be duly informed, but will be with the consent of Mr President.

“For now, I’m committed to my present assignment. It’s still about service, whether national or sub-national,” he told the broadcaster.

President Bola Tinubu had directed all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 elections to resign from their posts on or before March 31.

He hinged his decision on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

Only three of President Tinubu’s cabinet members stepped away from office to pursue their ambition. First among these was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, he prepares to seek the APC ticket to be the next governor of Bauchi State.

Mr Tuggar, who confirmed his resignation later on Monday, said his resignation letter was formally submitted to the president earlier that day through the Office of the Secretary of Government in Abuja.

Also, the Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, resigned to pursue his ambition of contesting the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.

“The President has accepted the resignation and thanked the minister for his dedicated service to the nation,” his media aide said in the statement on Tuesday.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Yusuf Sununu, also resigned to contest a senatorial seat in Kebbi State.

Mr Sununu, who assumed office in the humanitarian ministry in November 2024 after serving as Minister of State for Education, said his deployment was aimed at restoring the ministry’s image before deciding to pursue legislative office.

Also, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, resigned from his position and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).