The president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has said that he will not be contesting the 2023 presidential election.
It was widely reported that the former minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was in the race to pick the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC as some persons were said to have submitted the expression of interest and presidential nomination forms on his behalf.
While noting that he had received several calls from Nigerians at home and abroad that he should consider succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, Adesina in a statement issued yesterday, said he is fully engaged and committed to the task at AfDB.
“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,” he said.
