‘Are You Sure You Can Win?’ — How Adelabu Resigned Against Tinubu’s Wish for Oyo Guber

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially stepped down from his position in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This development comes despite strong indications that the President was reluctant to see him leave the administration.

Sources within the Presidency revealed that Adelabu remained firm in his decision to resign to focus on his lifelong ambition of becoming the Governor of Oyo State.

The formal notice was contained in a letter dated April 22, 2026, which was transmitted to the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Inside details suggest that President Tinubu had actually intended to promote Adelabu to the Ministry of Finance to succeed Wale Edun.

To prevent the resignation, the President reportedly avoided a private meeting with the Minister for nearly two months.

When the two finally met at the Villa, the President questioned the feasibility of his political move, asking, “Are You Sure You Can Win?”

Adelabu expressed absolute confidence in his ability to clinch the party ticket and win the general election, prompting the President to finally offer his blessings and wish him success.

The timing of the resignation has raised some eyebrows, as it came 22 days after the March 31 deadline set by the Presidency for all appointees seeking elective offices.

However, legal experts and administration insiders clarified that the deadline was merely administrative. They noted that Adelabu is still well within the legal timeframe stipulated by the Electoral Act 2026, which requires aspirants to resign at least 30 days before party primaries.

His resignation will officially take effect on April 30, 2026, to ensure a seamless handover of duties within the power sector.