The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has firmly dismissed reports linking him to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race. Recent media reports suggested that Adesina had hinted at a possible bid for the presidency during an interview, fueling speculation about his political future.
However, Adesina has categorically refuted these claims, stating that he never expressed an intention to run for office. In a post on his X handle on Friday, he clarified that his words had been misinterpreted and misrepresented in various Nigerian media reports.
“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.’
“A listen to the substantive and robust interview, which is available online, will show this to be the case. For clarity and for the record, I did not say that I am running for the office of President of Nigeria,”
Akinwumi Adesina
This is not the first time Adesina has distanced himself from Nigeria’s presidential race. His tenure as AfDB president is set to end in May 2025, but he has consistently rebuffed political speculations.
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Adesina also issued a statement dismissing rumors about his candidacy. At the time, he expressed gratitude for the widespread support but made it clear that his responsibilities at the AfDB were his priority.
“While I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful for all the incredible goodwill, kindness, and confidence, my current responsibilities at this time do not allow me to accept to be considered.
“I remain fully engaged and committed to the mission that Nigeria, Africa, and all the non-African shareholders of the African Development Bank have given me for Africa’s development. I remain fully focused on the mission of supporting the accelerated development and economic integration of Africa.”
Akinwumi Adesina
Adesina, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan, was first elected as the AfDB president in 2015. He secured a second term in 2020, reinforcing his reputation as a dedicated development economist.
Transformational Leadership at AfDB
Under Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB has played a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s development landscape. His tenure has been marked by strategic initiatives addressing critical challenges such as poverty, food security, and energy access.
These efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning the AfDB as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.
Central to Adesina’s vision is the High 5s strategic framework, which prioritizes five key areas: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. Through these initiatives, the bank has mobilized billions of dollars to boost investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.
In 2023 alone, the AfDB’s project portfolio reached nearly $60 billion, demonstrating its commitment to fostering resilience amid global economic challenges. Adesina’s tenure has also emphasized gender equality and youth empowerment, launching programs that have created thousands of jobs and expanded access to essential services.
One notable success is the Rural Enterprises Project III in Ghana, which has helped establish over 43,000 women-owned businesses. This initiative has significantly boosted local economies and strengthened financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs.
Advancing Africa’s Energy Security
Beyond economic growth, Adesina has been a strong advocate for tackling Africa’s energy crisis. His New Deal on Energy for Africa aims to achieve universal energy access by 2025 through the adoption of renewable energy sources. With millions of Africans still lacking reliable electricity, this initiative is crucial to accelerating development and industrialization.
By championing sustainable energy solutions, the AfDB has positioned itself as a leader in bridging Africa’s energy gap. Its investments in hydropower, solar, and wind energy projects have already made significant strides in expanding electricity access to underserved communities.
As Adesina’s tenure at the AfDB nears its conclusion, his contributions to Africa’s development remain undeniable. While he has ruled out any presidential aspirations, his legacy as a transformative leader continues to shape the continent’s economic future.
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