2023: I’m not running for president – Adesina

By Ibrahim Adeleke

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has said he will not run for the post of president in the 2023 general elections.

Some weeks ago there were reports that some groups had obtained N100 million Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Adesina to contest for the presidential ticket of the ruling party.

The AfDB boss has now rejected the offer, in a statement released on Tuesday.

He said: “I am very touched by all who have gone to a great extent, with such huge sacrifices, of their own volition, to consider me worthy to be proposed for potential consideration.

“The coalition groups of youths, women, farmers, physically challenged, and well-meaning Nigerians that have done this have expressed their genuine free will, political right, freedom of expression, and association for my consideration, with the interest of Nigeria at heart.

“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.

“May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“May God bless Africa.”