Ex-Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu Refutes Rumors of Unilateral Exit, Confirms Tinubu’s Approval of Resignation

Ex-Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu denies resigning without approval. He clarifies that President Tinubu blessed his exit to pursue the Oyo governorship.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 11:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politics Nigeria

Clarifying the Circumstances of Departure

Adebayo Adelabu, who recently vacated his role as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has moved to silence rumors regarding a rift between himself and the Presidency. Following his return to Oyo State, reports surfaced suggesting that his resignation was a spontaneous decision made without the necessary administrative consultations. On Saturday, Adelabu issued a comprehensive rebuttal, asserting that his exit from the federal cabinet was a structured move conducted with the highest levels of official transparency. He maintained that the narrative of a "sudden" or "unapproved" resignation is a fabrication intended to undermine his standing within the party.

Presidential Blessing for Oyo Governorship Ambition

The former minister confirmed that his primary motivation for stepping down was to focus on his 2027 gubernatorial campaign in Oyo State. Contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelabu emphasized that he sought and received the "full approval and blessing" of President Bola Tinubu prior to tendering his resignation. This detail is significant as it suggests that the Presidency remains supportive of his regional political aspirations, countering the narrative that his departure was an act of insubordination or a result of internal friction within the Tinubu administration.

Dismissing Speculation and Baselss Critics

Through a statement signed by his Media Aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu addressed critics whom he claims are unsettled by his political influence. The statement specifically noted that the rumors began to circulate following the "large crowd" that welcomed him back to Ibadan last Thursday. Adelabu’s camp views these reports as a calculated attempt by political rivals to diminish the impact of his homecoming and create a false impression of discord between him and the national APC leadership. He urged the public to disregard the speculations, describing them as entirely baseless.