Former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s support following his resignation from the cabinet, dismissing claims that the president has endorsed any aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 election.
Adelabu, who was appointed minister in August 2023, resigned on Wednesday to pursue his governorship ambition, citing the need to comply with the Electoral Act.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Thursday shortly after his return to the state, the former minister dismissed reports that the president had backed another contender.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will not endorse or have a special interest in anyone,” he said.
“There have been rumours in recent weeks that he has endorsed someone else, but that is not true. I am his son. If such a decision had been made, he would have told me.”
Adelabu said his relationship with Tinubu dates back several years, noting that the president supported his 2019 governorship bid, which went up to the Supreme Court.
He added that they also worked together during the 2023 elections before he briefly moved to the Accord Party, where he still maintained support for Tinubu.
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According to him, Tinubu later invited him into his cabinet despite his party affiliation at the time, after which he returned to the APC.
Adelabu explained that his resignation was solely to focus on his governorship ambition.
“The only reason I stepped down is to seek the party’s ticket for the 2027 governorship election,” he said.
He described the move as a deliberate risk, adding that he has been preparing for the role for more than a decade.
Adelabu also expressed confidence that he can deliver on infrastructure, economic growth, and security if elected governor of Oyo State.
Adelabu Meets With Tinubu, Obtains Approval
Tunji Bolaji, spokesperson to the minister, said Bayo Adelabu obtained President Bola Tinubu’s approval to contest the Oyo governorship.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bolaji explained that the timing of Adelabu’s planned resignation was to allow him conclude key initiatives in the power sector and ensure a smooth transition before leaving office.
He disclosed that Adelabu met with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, where he presented a detailed account of his performance in the power sector over the past two and a half years.
According to the statement, Tinubu praised the minister for his efforts and acknowledged the progress made, particularly in laying policy groundwork for reforms in the sector.
“The president also granted his consent and blessing for the minister to pursue his governorship ambition. In view of this, Adelabu is expected to step down as minister of power in the coming days,” Bolaji said.
The spokesperson added that Adelabu highlighted major achievements during his tenure, including measures to stabilise electricity generation, improve transmission, and drive reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and service delivery across the value chain.
He said the presentation also featured the National Integrated Electricity Policy and its Strategic Implementation Plan as key components of the minister’s reform agenda.
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.