The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina, has denied reports suggesting he plans to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Adesina clarified the misinterpretation of his recent interview, stating that he never declared any intention to run for the country’s top office, 9am News reports
In a post on his official X account on Friday, Adesina addressed the reports that followed his interview on ARISE TV. He expressed disappointment over the distortion of his statement, which some media outlets presented as a hint of his political ambition.
“A segment of my recent interview on @ARISEtv has been both misinterpreted and misrepresented in several Nigerian media outlets. What I said was, ‘I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country,’” Adesina wrote.
He emphasized that watching the full interview in context would reveal that he never mentioned running for president.
This is not the first time Adesina has had to distance himself from Nigerian presidential speculations. In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, he issued a similar statement, declining calls to join the race.
“While I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful for the incredible goodwill, kindness, and confidence, my current responsibilities do not allow me to accept to be considered,” Adesina said at the time.
He reaffirmed his dedication to his role at the AfDB, highlighting his commitment to accelerating Africa’s development and economic integration.
Adesina, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan, was first elected as AfDB president in 2015 and re-elected in 2020. His tenure, which ends in May 2025, has been marked by notable initiatives in infrastructure development, food security, and economic growth across Africa.
As 2027 approaches, political speculations will undoubtedly continue, but Adesina has once again made it clear: he remains focused on Africa’s development, not political office.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
