Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid reports that his decision went against the initial wishes of the President, who allegedly attempted to dissuade him from stepping down. Multiple Presidency insiders said Adelabu insisted on leaving office to focus on his Oyo State governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite efforts within the Villa to retain him in the federal cabinet.

Tinubu Reportedly Tried to Stop Adelabu’s Exit

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reluctant to accept Adelabu’s resignation, given his role in ongoing power sector reforms. According to insiders, the President had even delayed meetings with the minister for weeks in an effort to prevent an immediate resignation and had sent emissaries to discourage him from quitting.

However, when both men eventually met at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reportedly questioned Adelabu’s chances of winning the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State. The President was said to have asked whether he was confident of securing victory, to which Adelabu reportedly replied affirmatively. Following the exchange, Tinubu allegedly wished him well in his political ambition.

Delayed Exit Beyond Presidential Deadline

Adelabu officially submitted his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His exit came 22 days after the March 31 deadline earlier issued by the Presidency for political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections.

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While several ministers complied with the directive, Adelabu’s late resignation triggered speculation of internal negotiations and possible resistance within government circles. However, Presidency sources clarified that the deadline was administrative rather than strictly legal, noting that the Electoral Act 2026 allows resignation ahead of party primaries.

Possible Elevation to Finance Ministry Role

Further revelations suggest that Tinubu had considered Adelabu for a possible appointment as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following the exit of Wale Edun. This potential promotion, insiders said, contributed to the President’s preference that Adelabu remain in the cabinet.

Power Sector Performance and Presidential Support

Despite public criticism over Nigeria’s electricity crisis, grid collapses, and tariff increases, sources said Tinubu consistently defended Adelabu’s performance. The President reportedly viewed the challenges in the Nigerian power sector as structural issues rather than personal failures of the minister.

Camp Claims Resignation Was Approved

Contrary to reports suggesting a fallout, Adelabu’s aides insist the resignation was mutually understood and not a confrontation with the Presidency. His media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the former minister enjoys Tinubu’s support and had secured his approval before resigning.

He also referenced Adelabu’s past voluntary resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria as evidence of his long-standing pattern of stepping down for personal convictions.

Focus Shifts to Oyo Governorship Race

Adelabu, a former governorship candidate in Oyo State, has now fully returned to state politics, declaring his intention to contest again in 2027. His resignation becomes effective April 30, 2026, allowing for a transition period at the Ministry of Power.

However, political dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West are already shifting, with stakeholders reportedly considering other consensus candidates for Oyo State.

Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition

Court Stops Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists Without Court Order

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for alleged violations of the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without first obtaining a valid court order.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, followed a suit filed by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who challenged what he described as the unlawful practice of instant fines issued by law enforcement agencies on motorists accused of failing to comply with compulsory third-party insurance requirements.

In her ruling, Justice Yilwa dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the police questioning the court’s jurisdiction. The judge held that the police were properly served with court documents but failed to file any response, adding that such failure weakened their objection.

The court subsequently granted the reliefs sought by the applicant and issued an order restraining both the police and the FRSC from imposing fines directly on motorists without due judicial process.

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The ruling specifically prohibits the agencies from enforcing penalties or collecting fines for insurance-related offences without first approaching a competent court of law.

Legal experts say the judgment reinforces a core constitutional principle in Nigeria’s justice system—that only courts have the authority to impose penalties for offences, including traffic and insurance violations.

The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for traffic law enforcement in Nigeria, particularly in how agencies handle compliance with motor insurance regulations. It may require enforcement bodies to adopt prosecution-based approaches rather than immediate roadside penalties.

For motorists, the ruling is seen as a significant safeguard against what has long been criticised as arbitrary or extortion-like practices during traffic stops. However, it does not remove the legal obligation to maintain valid third-party motor insurance.

The court’s decision also raises broader questions about due process in law enforcement, citizens’ rights, and the limits of administrative powers exercised by regulatory agencies.

While the ruling marks a major legal development, its enforcement will depend on compliance by the affected agencies, possible appeals, and future judicial interpretations by higher courts.

Court Stops Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists Without Court Order

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 29, 2026, for the arraignment of Ms Tracynither Ohiri, who is facing a 13-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Justice James Omotosho set the new date on Friday after the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, requested an adjournment to enable proper service of court documents on the defendant, who was absent in court.

The case, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, centres on multiple alleged defamatory social media publications said to have been made by Ohiri between 2023 and 2025 on platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and online media channels. The charge is registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/172/2026.

At the Friday sitting, neither the defendant nor her legal representative was present. The prosecution told the court that repeated attempts to serve her had failed, prompting the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and his team to travel to Lagos on April 20 to locate her, but were reportedly unable to serve her personally.

Justice Omotosho, while expressing concern over delays, warned that the case could be struck out if arraignment does not proceed promptly. The matter was consequently adjourned to April 29 for arraignment.

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The 13-count charge alleges that Ohiri made false and damaging claims against Umahi, including allegations that he threatened her life, abused his office, and owed her large sums of money.

In one count, she is accused of posting a TikTok video on October 16, 2023, alleging that Umahi threatened to kill her if she entered Ebonyi State. Another count references a March 8, 2024 video in which she allegedly accused the minister of victimising her for refusing sexual advances.

The prosecution further alleges that she circulated claims on social media and Sahara Reporters on March 28, 2025, alleging that Umahi owed her over ₦200 million for campaign-related services, an allegation the state says she knew to be false.

Other charges include accusations that she amplified defamatory content with intent to cause public hatred and reputational damage under provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The dispute reportedly originated from Ohiri’s claim that she was owed ₦250 million for printing and promotional services linked to Umahi’s 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. She further alleged that unpaid debts later escalated into personal disputes and threats.

The matter has also attracted public attention following her arrest in Lagos and transfer to Abuja, where she was initially arraigned before a magistrate court in Wuse and granted bail on related defamation charges.

Civil society voices, including activist Omoyele Sowore, previously criticised the handling of the case, arguing it raises broader concerns about the criminalisation of civil disputes and online speech in Nigeria.

The case also briefly escalated into controversy after Ohiri publicly accused her former lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, of mishandling negotiations and pressuring her to withdraw allegations. The lawyer denied wrongdoing, stating that she failed to provide evidence of contractual claims and later voluntarily issued a public apology to Umahi.

With the April 29 date now fixed, the court is expected to proceed with arraignment, where the defendant will take her plea on the multi-count cybercrime charges.

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi