May 17, (THEWILL) – President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has dumped bid to to run for the office of Nigeria’s president in the 2023 general elections.
THEWILL earlier reported that a coalition made up of 28 groups had on May 8, obtained the N100m Presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his behalf.
Adesina, a former Nigeria Agriculture minister, had reportedly made attempts to secure president Muhammadu Buhari’s support for his presidential bid.
In his efforts to lobby for support of the President, THISDAY had reported one of his meetings with Buhari’s associates, including the one held last week with the President’s nephew, Mallam Mamman Daura.
“He met him sometimes last week. His car was sighted entering Mamman Daura’s house during the week. Beyond Mamman Daura, he is also reaching out to Buhari’s relatives in Niger Republic, to see if they can convince Buhari to back him”, the report stated.
But Adesina, having failed to secure the needed support of President Buhari, on Tuesday, rejected the already submitted Presidential nomination form of the APC.
In a statement, the AfDB President said his current activities at the multilateral institution will not allow him to accept a presidential bid.
“I have been extremely humbled by several calls from Nigerians at home and abroad that I should consider running for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am very touched by all who have gone to great extent, with such huge sacrifices, of their own volition, to consider me worthy to be proposed for potential consideration.
“The coalition groups of youth, 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 honored, 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”, Adesina said in a statement.
About the Author
