Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Adebayo Adelabu, has returned to his hometown of Ibadan, Oyo State, to a warm and celebratory welcome following his resignation as Minister of Power in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. On Thursday, he was greeted at the airport by a large crowd of supporters who sang, danced, and cheered in celebration of his return. The festive reception continued as Adelabu led a street parade through the city, marking the beginning of what many see as his formal campaign for the 2027 Oyo State Governorship election.
Adelabu officially tendered his resignation from the federal cabinet on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with the resignation taking effect on April 30, 2026. In a letter made public, he stated that his decision was driven by the need to focus fully on his long-standing ambition to become governor of Oyo State. He emphasized that his political journey, including his tenure as Deputy Governor of the CBN and his subsequent resignation from that position in 2018, had always been aimed at preparing for this gubernatorial bid, which he first declared in 2016.
The Oyo-born politician expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation, particularly in advancing reforms in the power sector. He acknowledged the trust placed in him by the President and appreciated the privilege of contributing to national development during his time in the federal government. His departure from the cabinet has been seen as a strategic move to shift his political focus from national to state-level governance.
Naija News reports that Adelabu’s return to Ibadan has sparked excitement among his political allies and supporters, who view his resignation as a clear signal of his intent to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election. His homecoming parade was not only a celebration but also a symbolic launch of his campaign activities. The event drew significant attention from local media and political observers, highlighting the growing momentum around his candidacy.
As Adelabu steps into the next phase of his political career, his experience in both central banking and national policy-making is expected to play a key role in his campaign. His tenure in the CBN and his recent role in the power sector have given him a broad understanding of economic and infrastructure challenges, which he may leverage to appeal to voters in Oyo State. With the 2027 election on the horizon, his return to Ibadan marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.
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