Immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, was on Thursday welcomed by supporters in Ibadan, Oyo state, shortly after resigning his membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
President Bola Tinubu appointed Adelabu as Minister of Power in August 2023 following his confirmation by the Senate.
However, Adelabu submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday during a visit to George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).
A photograph that surfaced shortly after showed the former minister posing with the letter alongside Akume during the visit.
Adelabu said he stepped down to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo, while the resignation is expected to take effect on April 30.
Shortly after tendering his resignation, he reportedly returned to Ibadan, where he was received by supporters who thronged his convoy as it moved through the state capital.
A video showed him leaning out of the front passenger window of his SUV, waving to cheering supporters as they hailed him from the airport to his residence.
At a press conference on March 24, Adelabu had declined to comment on his resignation or governorship ambition, saying he remained focused on addressing the country’s electricity challenges.
However, in his resignation letter, he said the decision was in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and his intention to focus on his governorship ambition.
“My decision to step down is guided by my desire to fully comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and to focus on my governorship aspiration in Oyo State,” he said.
He also noted that sustaining gains in the power sector would require stronger coordination at the highest level, including the appointment of a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution.
