As expected, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has denied reports suggesting he is preparing to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The speculation began after his recent interview on Arise Television, where he mentioned that he would be available for national service after his tenure at AfDB.
He stated that he is open to serving in any role, whether globally, in Africa, or in Nigeria.
His remarks led to widespread interpretations that he might be considering running for president.
In response, Adesina took to X on Thursday to clarify his statement, saying his words had been misrepresented.
He maintained that while he expressed willingness to serve in various capacities, he never declared an intention to contest the presidency.
He urged the public to listen to his full interview for proper context.
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Adesina, who was Nigeria’s minister of agriculture before becoming AfDB president in 2015, secured a second term at the bank in 2020.
His leadership at AfDB has focused on economic growth, infrastructure, and development financing across Africa.
While his statement sparked political discussions, he emphasized that his priority remains his current role at AfDB, and he has no plans to enter the 2027 presidential race.
