It’s fake news, Adelabu denies resignation rumours

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has denied reports suggesting he has resigned from office, describing the claims as false and misleading amid growing political speculation over his future.

The rebuttal comes at a time of heightened uncertainty following a Federal Government directive requiring political appointees with ambitions for the 2027 general elections to step down from their positions.

Responding in a WhatsApp chat with journalists on Tuesday, Adelabu’s Special Assistant on Media, Bolaji Tunji, dismissed the reports as fake news, insisting that the minister remains fully committed to his responsibilities in the power sector.

“The news of the minister’s resignation is fake. There is no truth to it”, Tunji said.

The media aide also shared photos of the purported resignation letter stamped “fake news.”

It was gathered that the rumours gained traction following recent comments by the minister, which many interpreted as leaving room for a possible political move.

At a press briefing in Abuja last Tuesday, Adelabu stopped short of confirming whether he would resign, even as he acknowledged the timeline for political decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.

“What matters to me most now is this job that I am doing as the Honourable Minister of Power. I am excelling on the job, and that is my priority for now, tackling foreseen, known and unforeseen challenges in the power sector,” he said.

He reiterated that resolving Nigeria’s electricity challenges remains his immediate focus.

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“Resolving the power supply challenges is my priority for now. We have between now and March 31, if I am interested, in the gubernatorial contest in Oyo State. It is all about service, either at the national level or at the subnational level,” Adelabu added.

However, in remarks that further fuelled speculation, the minister hinted that his political future remains undecided.

“I will not say more than that. Whether I will be here or I will be leaving is a matter of time. I will get back to you,” he said.

The development comes against the backdrop of a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandating all ministers, heads of agencies and political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to resign on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive, issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws and maintaining the integrity of the political process.

The circular stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

“The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

Adelabu’s situation has drawn further attention due to speculation about his possible bid for the Oyo State governorship seat.

Reports indicate that Tinubu has yet to publicly endorse Adelabu, with indications that support within the party may be tilting towards Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District.