2027: I’m available – AfDB boss, Adesina hints on running for presidency

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2027: I’m available – AfDB boss, Adesina hints on running for presidency

The outgoing President of the African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at running for the position of Nigeria’s president.

The AfDB boss affirmed he is available for national service after his tenure at the bank concludes, specifically stating, “he will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including his own country, Nigeria.”

Adesina, also a former Minister of Agriculture during Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, made this known in an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni.

It was recalled that Adesina was first elected in 2015 to lead the continental funding institution, which was founded in 1964, and was re-elected President of the AfDB for a second term in 2020.

Adesina stated that the only thing that gives him satisfaction and happiness is seeing the lives of people transform and change.

When asked what’s next for him and whether he would run for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Adesina answered:

“You know, one of the things that I’m grateful for as a Nigerian: many, many years ago, when I was in graduate school in Nigeria, even after that, I had an opportunity to obtain a US visa. I was given a great visa, and I could have obtained US citizenship.

“And I say, I didn’t want it, not because I don’t like America. My kids are Americans, and they were born there, but I remember telling a colleague of mine that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport.

“I cannot and will never trade it for anything. It gives me a lot of grief wherever I go. You know, with family, my kids are probably asked to go right through, and I’m asked to stay behind. They ask you all kinds of funny questions, where were you born, when do you hope to die? Or any kind of question, just to make sure that you don’t get it.