By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council, joining a growing number of cabinet members stepping down to pursue elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adelabu’s resignation follows mounting indications in recent weeks that he would exit the cabinet to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest in the next election cycle.
The development is in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring political appointees seeking elective offices to resign before party primaries, scheduled to begin in April 2026.
Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, previously contested the Oyo State governorship election in 2019 and 2023 but lost to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde.
His exit underscores a broader political shift within the administration, as several ministers are expected to relinquish their positions to return to grassroots politics and test their popularity in their respective states.
Analysts say the trend could trigger a minor cabinet reshuffle in the coming weeks.
Among those who made similar moves are the Minister of Humanitarian affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
Adelabu’s resignation marks a significant moment in the build-up to the 2027 elections, highlighting how political calculations are beginning to reshape the composition of President Tinubu’s cabinet.
