According to The Punch, the resignation of Adebayo Adelabu from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has generated significant political attention, with insiders indicating that the former minister stepped down against the President’s preference in order to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that Adelabu insisted on resigning so he could fully concentrate on his political aspirations. He reportedly formalized his decision through a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, which was addressed to the President via the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. A spokesperson from the office confirmed the resignation but declined to provide further details.
Adelabu’s move was said to align with a directive issued by President Tinubu, requiring all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The directive, announced on March 17 through a circular from the SGF’s office, was in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
While several ministers, including Yusuf Tuggar and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, complied with the March 31 deadline, Adelabu reportedly resigned 22 days later.
The former minister, who was also the 2023 governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo State, explained that his resignation was necessary to enable him to focus on his ambition. He added that the resignation would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition process.
Although there has been speculation that the President may have compelled his exit, insiders maintained that Adelabu resigned voluntarily. A government source, speaking anonymously to The Punch, stated: “The truth is that he (Adelabu) resigned. He wasn’t sacked. I can confirm that to you. In fact, the President didn’t want him to go. He came to the Villa on Tuesday, where he met with the President. The President had been avoiding him for the past two months so he wouldn’t get the opportunity to talk about resignation. That’s why he delayed,” a top government official in the Presidency said…….See More
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