AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina Hints at Presidential Run for Nigeria in 2027
Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has raised speculations about his political future, revealing he could run for the presidency of Nigeria. In an interview with Arise Television, Adesina stated that after his tenure at the AfDB concludes, he would be available to serve in any capacity, either globally or within Nigeria.
Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, was first elected president of the AfDB in 2015, and re-elected for a second term in 2020. Reflecting on his potential future, Adesina emphasized that his ultimate satisfaction comes from seeing people’s lives transformed for the better.
When questioned about his potential candidacy for the presidency of Nigeria, Adesina shared a personal anecdote about his pride in being Nigerian. He recalled turning down an opportunity to acquire U.S. citizenship, asserting his pride in holding a Nigerian passport despite the challenges it sometimes presents.
“I cannot and will never trade it for anything. This passport gives me a lot of grief wherever I go, but I believe God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian,” he said.
Adesina highlighted that, for him, serving others is what brings him joy, and he would be open to serving in any capacity, whether on a global scale or in his home country. He even joked about Nigerian artist Davido’s famous song “Unavailable,” suggesting that, in his case, the lyrics would need to change to “I am available, they will see me.”
As Adesina’s term at the AfDB draws to a close, it remains unclear whether he will make a formal run for the presidency, but his remarks have stirred discussions on his potential political future in Nigeria.
