Former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has clarified that his departure from the cabinet was authorized by President Tinubu, refuting claims of defiance.
Adebayo Adelabu has moved to set the record straight regarding his departure from the Federal Executive Council, confirming that he resigned with the full blessing of President Bola Tinubu.
Recent speculation had suggested a rift between the former Minister of Power and the Presidency, with some claiming his exit was an act of defiance against the administration’s wishes.. However, through his media aide, Femi Awogboro, the former minister labeled these accounts as entirely baseless.. The statement emphasized that the decision to leave was taken only after securing the President’s explicit approval and support, effectively putting an end to the swirling rumors of political friction.
The Path to 2027
Adelabu’s resignation follows a broader government mandate issued on March 17, 2026, by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.. This directive required all political appointees intending to participate in the 2027 general elections to step down by March 31, 2026.. This policy ensures compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act of 2026, providing a level playing field as parties prepare for upcoming primaries.. By formalizing his exit in his April 22, 2026, letter, Adelabu positioned himself to focus entirely on his political future, specifically his governorship ambitions in Oyo State.
Critics have attempted to cast his departure in a negative light, suggesting that the President tried to convince him to stay.. Adelabu’s camp, however, views these claims as a distraction from his growing local support.. The former minister noted that the criticism seems less about policy disagreements and more about the optics of his recent return to Ibadan, where he was greeted by an unusually large crowd of supporters.
Understanding the Political Landscape
This transition highlights the high stakes inherent in the 2027 electoral cycle.. For many political figures, the move from a ministerial seat to a state-level campaign is a complex balancing act that requires aligning personal ambitions with the broader strategy of the ruling party.. Navigating these transitions often brings intense public scrutiny, as every move is analyzed for signs of loyalty or potential fallout within the executive branch.
The human element of this shift is significant.. Beyond the legal requirements of the Electoral Act, moving from the corridors of federal power back to the grassroots of a state campaign represents a major pivot in any politician’s career.. When supporters gather in thousands as they did in Ibadan, it signals that the narrative is shifting from federal administration to local governance, a transition that often tests the candidate’s ability to maintain momentum while addressing the concerns of the national party leadership.
Ultimately, the clarification serves as a signal of alignment.. By confirming the President’s blessing, Adelabu ensures that his campaign in Oyo State begins with the perceived weight of the center behind him.. For the electorate, these shifts provide an early look at which figures are positioning themselves for the next phase of national and regional politics, turning routine administrative resignations into key indicators of future electoral competition.