The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina, has dismissed reports linking him to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, stating that he has no intention of contesting for the nation’s highest office.
Adesina’s response follows media speculation suggesting that he hinted at running for president during a recent interview. However, in a post on his X handle on Thursday, he clarified that his words had been misinterpreted and misrepresented by several Nigerian news outlets.
“A segment of my recent interview on @ARISEtv has been both misinterpreted and misrepresented in several Nigerian media outlets. What I said was, ‘I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country,’” Adesina explained.
“For clarity and for the record, I did not say that I am running for the office of President of Nigeria,” he added, emphasizing that a full review of the interview would confirm his stance.
This is not the first time Adesina has distanced himself from Nigeria’s presidential race. Ahead of the 2023 elections, similar speculations arose, prompting him to release a statement ruling himself out of the contest.
“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,” he stated at the time.
Adesina reaffirmed his commitment to the AfDB’s mission, focusing on Africa’s economic growth and integration. Having first been elected as AfDB president in 2015 and re-elected for a second term, his tenure is set to conclude in May 2025.
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections, Adesina’s clarification puts to rest growing speculations about his political ambitions.
