On Monday, February 10, 2025, Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), hinted that he might run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027. In an interview with Arise Television’s Rufai Oseni, Adesina expressed his readiness to serve his country after completing his tenure at the bank.
“I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria,” he stated, signaling his openness to future leadership roles.
Adesina, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, was first elected President of the AfDB in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2020. He spoke about the deep satisfaction he derives from transforming lives, saying, “The only thing that makes me happy is seeing the lives of people transform and change.”
Reflecting on his Nigerian identity, Adesina shared a personal story of choosing to keep his Nigerian passport despite the opportunity to obtain U.S. citizenship. “I cannot and will never trade it for anything,” he said, emphasizing his pride in his roots and commitment to his country.
When asked about his potential presidential ambitions, Adesina said, “I’ll be available to serve in God’s hands for anything that God has in store for my life,” signaling that he could indeed consider running for president.
