Akinwumi Adesina, President of African Development Bank (AfDB) has rejected the presidential form of the All Progressive Congress (APC) bought for him by his supporters urging him to join next year’s presidential race.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Adesina said he prefers to retain his job at the financial institution and remains fully engaged and committed to the mission that Nigeria, Africa and all the non-African shareholders of the African Development Bank have given him for Africa’s development.
“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,” he acknowledged. “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. May God bless Africa.”
