Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has categorically denied that he has resigned from his cabinet position, calling widespread reports of his resignation “fake news” and insisting he remains fully active in his official role. The controversy has dominated political and media discussions in Nigeria over the past several days, fueled by conflicting reports and circulating documents alleging that Adelabu had stepped down to pursue elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The initial claims that the minister had resigned originated from several online sources and informal publications, which included what was presented as a resignation letter dated March 26, 2026. The letter, purportedly sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Articulated the minister’s intention to leave his post as part of preparations for a run in the Oyo State governorship race. In the midst of Nigeria’s political calendar, where deadlines and electoral guidelines are tightly observed, such reports gained rapid attention.
Within hours of those claims circulating, however, official representatives of the Minister of Power moved to quash the narrative. Through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu’s office stated unequivocally that the minister had not resigned and that the reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate and misleading. The ministry’s communication team noted that no formal resignation letter had been submitted to the presidency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, or any government authority.
In statements to journalists and social media posts, Tunji described the reports as baseless, urging media outlets and members of the public to verify information before amplifying it. He emphasized that the minister continues to lead the ministry’s work, including ongoing efforts to address systemic challenges within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The confusion over Adelabu’s status emerges against the backdrop of federal directives requiring political appointees who wish to contest elective office to resign from their positions by March 31, 2026. This requirement, rooted in the Electoral Act and reinforced by presidential guidelines, aims to create a level playing field for candidates and ensure that public office holders do not leverage the advantages of their positions during the campaign period. Several other ministers have already resigned from their cabinet roles as they prepare for various political contests, adding context to why speculation around Adelabu’s future gained traction.
Adebayo Adelabu, a seasoned banker and politician, has previously expressed his intention to pursue the governorship of Oyo State. He contested the same position in past election cycles under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and later under the Accord Party, building a political profile within and beyond his home state. Such ambitions, combined with the resignation directive and the approaching 2027 election timeline, contributed to assumptions that he might step down from his ministerial role.
Despite the denials, political analysts and observers say that the episode highlights both the highly charged nature of Nigeria’s political discourse and the challenges of information management in the digital age. In a media environment where unverified claims and documents can circulate rapidly, accurate communication from official sources has become increasingly critical. In this instance, the ministry’s swift rebuttal aimed to stem misinformation and reassure the public that the minister’s leadership remains intact.
Beyond the political narrative, the controversy has placed renewed focus on the Federal Ministry of Power’s role and performance. Electricity supply in Nigeria has long been a fraught issue, with frequent outages, distribution bottlenecks, and infrastructure deficits frustrating households, industries, and investors. As minister, Adelabu has been tasked with addressing these persistent challenges, coordinating with regulators, distribution companies, and other stakeholders to improve generation capacity and distribution reliability across the country.
Industry advocates and civil society groups have closely monitored the ministry’s initiatives, often pushing for concrete results and accountability. Some have criticized the pace of reforms and improvements, while others highlight incremental progress in certain areas, including efforts to stabilize grid operations and attract private investment in the energy sector. Against this backdrop, leadership continuity at the ministry is seen by many as essential for sustained policy implementation and long‑term planning.
Adelabu’s denial of resignation also intersects with broader strategic calculations within the APC and Nigeria’s political landscape. With party primaries and campaign activities scheduled in the coming months, prospective candidates and their supporters are positioning themselves in readiness for electoral contests. In Oyo State, where the governorship race is expected to be highly competitive, questions about the APC’s candidate slate have sparked intense interest. Analysts say that while Adelabu’s ambitions are well known, the absence of a formal resignation at this stage leaves open possibilities regarding his ultimate decision and timing.
Several political insiders suggest that discussions within the APC about consensus building and candidate endorsements could influence Adelabu’s next moves. In past election cycles, such internal party negotiations have shaped outcomes and reconfigured alliances well ahead of formal campaign launches. Observers also note that the minister’s decision to remain in office, at least for the time being, signals a measured approach to managing both his responsibilities within the federal government and his political aspirations.
Meanwhile, the ministry under Adelabu’s leadership continues its work to tackle persistent electricity challenges. Government officials, power sector regulators, and private sector partners are reportedly engaged in dialogues on enhancing generation output, reducing transmission losses, and restructuring distribution mechanisms. These ongoing efforts aim to address long‑standing grievances among electricity consumers and create conditions more conducive to economic growth and development.
As the political year advances, the national conversation is likely to shift back and forth between governance issues and electoral developments. For now, the denial from the Ministry of Power clarifies that Adebayo Adelabu remains in his cabinet role, actively engaged in executive duties. Whether he will eventually resign to pursue elected office remains unconfirmed, but any such announcement will almost certainly draw significant public attention and scrutiny.
In the meantime, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and accurate information, especially amid Nigeria’s dynamic political environment. Officials, media organisations, and citizens alike are being called upon to exercise caution, verify claims, and responsibly communicate developments that shape public understanding and democratic processes.
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