Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing president of the African Development Bank (AFDB), said he would be willing to run for president of Nigeria once his term at the bank ended.
Adesina, who was first elected to the AFDB president in 2015 and re-elected in 2020, confirmed that he is ready to serve in any capacity globally, Africa or his native Nigeria.
He made this revelation in an exclusive interview with Arise Television’s news anchor Rufai Oseni.
Speaking about the future after the AFDB presidency, Adesina shares his deep-seated patriotism and attachment to Nigeria, recalling how he refused the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen despite the opportunity to obtain a U.S. passport.
Adsina said, “Many years ago, I got a great visa and I could have obtained our citizenship. But I said I didn’t want it – not because I didn’t like the United States. My kids are Americans and they were born there, but I told myself that God did not make any mistakes in making me Nigerian.”
Naija News It was reported that he stressed that Nigeria’s international reputation should be maintained by dignity, adding that Nigerians do not need respect and must win it through positive contributions to the world.
“My green passport, though it brings me a lot of sadness wherever I travel, is respected like every other passport in the world.” He said.
Impressions of the presidential ambitions in 2027
When asked about his plans for the 2027 presidential election, Adesina did not have a direct answer, but instead strongly implied that he was ready to prepare for public service at the highest level.
He further said, “Look, the only thing that makes me happy is seeing people’s lives changing and changing. That’s what makes me happy. So I will be able to do anything in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria, in Africa.”
Adesina refers to the hit song “Unable” by Afrobeats superstar Davido, humorously said, “So, but in the case of serving any form, I would ask Davido to change the song – ‘I have time and they will see me.”
“I will. I will be able to serve everything I have in my life.”
