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

Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing security operations in the South-East, dismantling a suspected camp linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

During the operation, troops recovered what are believed to be the remains of two soldiers who were abducted and killed in 2022.

The military operation in Imo State was carried out on Thursday, April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha–Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area by troops of the 82 Division. The mission formed part of a broader strategy to crack down on IPOB/ESN hideouts and restore stability across the South-East.

According to an official statement released on Saturday, the operation was intelligence-led and specifically aimed at locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew. The couple was abducted and murdered in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.

The Army disclosed that troops encountered heavy resistance as they advanced toward the suspected camp.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals,” the statement read.

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Despite the ambush, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling multiple assaults and forcing the gunmen to flee.

The Army described the encounter as further evidence of the group’s continued attacks on both civilians and security personnel in the region.

Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to a grim discovery—shallow graves suspected to contain human remains.

The graves were carefully excavated, and remains recovered, which are believed to be those of the slain military couple.

The Army confirmed that the remains have been secured for forensic analysis and DNA testing to conclusively establish their identities. It also stated that efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and dignified burial arrangements.

The military emphasized that the operation highlights its unwavering commitment to justice for fallen soldiers and the continued dismantling of criminal networks linked to IPOB/ESN in the South-East.

It further noted that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp underscores what it described as the group’s “heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”

The Army reassured Nigerians that operations would continue until all criminal elements are neutralized and lasting peace in the South-East is achieved.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.

Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo

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