Bolaji Tunji, special adviser on strategic communications and media to the minister of power, Bayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports claiming his principal has resigned from office.
A letter that circulated on Tuesday, March 27, alleged that Adelabu had stepped down as minister to pursue the Oyo State governorship in 2027.
The document, purportedly addressed to the secretary to the government of the federation, quickly gained traction online.
However, speaking on Tuesday evening, Tunji said the minister remains in office and described the letter as unauthorised.
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“He has not resigned. That letter of resignation did not come from his office,” he said.
On whether Adelabu would eventually resign to contest the 2027 governorship election, the aide said the minister would make his position known at the appropriate time.
In June 2025, Adelabu met with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, where he declared his intention to run for governor in 2027.
President Tinubu’s Appointment
Earlier this month, President Bola Tinubu directed political appointees interested in elective positions in 2027 to resign on or before March 31.
Adelabu previously served as deputy governor (operations) at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before leaving the role in 2018 to contest the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State on the platform of the APC. He lost to Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
After failing to secure the APC ticket in 2022, Adelabu defected to the Accord Party and contested the 2023 governorship election following the withdrawal of Ayodele Oyajide. He again lost to Makinde.
He returned to the APC later in 2023 and was subsequently appointed minister of power by President Tinubu.
In a recent publication by Pinnacle Daily Adelabu was however listed as one of the Tinubu’s appointees who may likely resign but despite his open interest in political office and even exceeding the deadline set for resignation, Adelabu is still adamant in holding his position as the power minister
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
