Sources familiar with the discussions leading up to his exit revealed that Adelabu was determined to leave in order to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
He formally announced his resignation on Wednesday through a letter dated April 22, 2026, which was addressed to the President via the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
A spokesperson from the SGF’s office confirmed receiving the letter but declined to provide additional details.
Adelabu’s decision followed an earlier directive from Tinubu instructing all political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to step down on or before March 31, 2026. The directive, issued on March 17, aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
While several ministers complied with the deadline, including Yusuf Tuggar and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Adelabu resigned weeks later.
The former minister explained that his resignation, which takes effect from April 30, was to allow him focus fully on his governorship ambition while ensuring a smooth transition.
Although some speculated he may have been forced out, insiders insisted the decision was entirely voluntary. According to sources within the Presidency, Tinubu had hoped to retain Adelabu and was even considering him for a new role as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy following the exit of Wale Edun.
One senior official disclosed that the President initially avoided meeting Adelabu for weeks to delay any resignation talks, and also sent intermediaries to convince him to stay.
When they eventually met at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reportedly asked Adelabu about his chances of winning the party primaries. After Adelabu expressed confidence, the President wished him well and allowed him to proceed with his plans.
Another source noted that Tinubu had consistently defended Adelabu’s performance, even amid criticism over power sector challenges such as grid failures and rising tariffs, stressing that the sector’s issues go beyond one individual.
It was also clarified that the March 31 deadline was more of an administrative instruction, while the Electoral Act allows resignation at least 30 days before party primaries—placing Adelabu within the legal timeframe.
An ally of the former minister explained that he delayed his resignation to complete an important assignment and maintained that his relationship with the President remained strong.
Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that he had the President’s full backing before stepping down, adding that resigning from positions when necessary has always been part of Adelabu’s convictions.
He recalled that Adelabu had previously resigned as Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria for similar personal reasons.
Awogboro also pointed to the strong support base Adelabu enjoys in Oyo State, citing the warm reception he received upon arriving in Ibadan as evidence of widespread acceptance.
Adelabu, grandson of the late Ibadan political figure Adegoke Adelabu, has contested for governor in the past but was defeated by the incumbent, Seyi Makinde, in both previous attempts.
He has since reaffirmed his ambition ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in his chances.
Meanwhile, within the All Progressives Congress in the South-West, there are indications that Sharafadeen Alli is emerging as a consensus candidate following a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.
Reports also suggest that President Tinubu has shown support for Alli, alongside Obafemi Hamzat in Lagos and Olamilekan Adeola in Ogun State.
