Adesina hints at running for presidency

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at a potential bid for Nigeria’s presidency as political discussions for the 2027 elections gain momentum. Adesina, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2010 to 2015, is nearing the end of his second and final term as AfDB president.

In an interview on Arise TV, Adesina expressed his openness to serving in any capacity, including the Nigerian presidency, after his tenure. When interviewer Rufai Oseni asked if he would consider running for president, Adesina responded, “What do you think you should be doing?” Oseni pressed further, and Adesina said, “I always believe in the providence of God, in His grace. I don’t see myself as anything more than an instrument in God’s hands to help people. The only thing that makes me happy—there’s nothing else—is seeing lives transformed. That’s what gives me satisfaction. As a result, I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere—including in my own country, Nigeria.”

Adesina referenced a Nigerian song by Davido, saying, “I remember one of my favourite songs by the great Nigerian pop artist, Davido. That song says, ‘I’m unavailable, dem no dey see me.’ But in the case of service of any kind, I would ask Davido to change the lyrics to: ‘I am available.’ So, yes, I will be available to serve, to do whatever God has in store for me.”

Speculation about Adesina’s potential candidacy has been fueled by his connections with the League of Northern Democrats (LND), a group formed by prominent northern politicians. Dr. Umar Ardo, LND convener, clarified that while Adesina is not a member, he remains a close ally. Ardo noted that Adesina had invited LND members to his birthday celebration in Abidjan, which featured notable figures, including former Nigerian governors and over 30 ambassadors. Ardo praised Adesina’s character and global influence, adding, “There was a strong consensus around Adesina, and I believe that such consensus can be instrumental in fixing Nigeria’s politics.”