Adebayo Adelabu the controversial Minister of Power that introduced “classed” electricity billing system in Nigeria has resigned his appointment.
In his resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the miniter said that his resignation would take effect from April 30, 2026.4.23
“I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities,” the minister wrote.
Close associates of Mr. Adelabu said that the minister’s resignation was not unconnected with his governorship ambition in his home state, Oyo.
The minister in his letter emphasised that sustaining and consolidating the “gains” recorded in the power sector requires stronger coordination at the highest level, including the appointment of a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution.
Mr Adelabu while thanking President Tinubu for appointing him a minister described his tenure as a privilege to contribute to national development.
Commenting on his resignation and in relation to the 2027 election contest, the minister noted that his decision aligns with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which precludes serving political office holders from contesting elections.
According to him, his aspiration to contest the Oyo State governorship dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Listing some of his achievements in the Ministry of Power, Mr. Adelabu that his tenure witnessed significant improvement in the power sector, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the electricity market and improved the investment climate.
He said that peak power generation rose to over 6,000 megawatts, due to the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and the rehabilitation of thermal power plants. Transmission capacity was also strengthened through grid upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative
The minister also cited improvements in the distribution segment, including enhanced regulatory oversight, improved revenue collection, and progress in reducing Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses. Efforts to close the metering gap, he added, gained momentum through the Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).
He further listed tariff reforms and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring programme increased market revenues from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025, restoring investor confidence and placing the sector on a path to sustainability.