‘I believe I have tried my best,’ says Adelabu on stewardship as power minister

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says he believes he has tried his best in overseeing one of the country’s key sectors.

Adelabu said this while speaking with journalists shortly after arriving at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, April 23, barely 24 hours after resigning his position as Minister of Power on Wednesday.

The minister reflected on his tenure in the power sector, expressing thanks to God and gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing him as a minister in his cabinet.

He said, “I am happy that I am here today to the glory of God. I want to give thanks to Almighty Allah for seeing me through the journey of ministerial appointment.

“I have seen, and I have conquered. And I believe I have tried my best and contributed my best to national development and overseen one of the key sectors in Nigeria. I am thankful to Almighty Allah for that opportunity.”

In a series of videos circulating on social media, several support groups, including a “widows’ association” that included men, were seen in their numbers at the Ibadan airport to welcome the minister.

The videos also showed the minister in a blue native attire stepping into the middle of a congested road to direct traffic.

Adelabu was seen navigating vehicles while exchanging greetings with onlookers and supporters.

Recall that Adelabu resigned his position as Minister of Power to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, an ambition he said he has nursed since 2016.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.

He wrote, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”