With political calculations for the 2027 presidential election gaining momentum, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at the possibility of contesting Nigeria’s top office. However, his potential candidacy has sparked mixed reactions from political figures and analysts.
Adesina, who is in the final months of his second and last term as AfDB president, stated in an interview on Arise TV that he would be “available to serve” in any capacity, including in Nigeria. Referencing a popular song by Davido, he humorously noted that while the song says, “I’m unavailable,” in terms of service, he would rather say, “I am available.”
His remarks have drawn criticism from some quarters, with Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, dismissing Adesina’s chances. Reacting on Facebook, Fasua echoed the sentiments of presidential aide Shehu, arguing that Adesina lacked political structure and experience.
“I agree with Shehu. 2027 is such an inopportune time for Adesina to think about running. Latibo sibo? Against who? Waste of money. Person wey no get structure and is even apolitical. No be by fine boy and nice English o. He could have run alongside the rest of us in 2019 and made his point then even though he will not have come no 20 sef,” Fasua wrote.
Similarly, Shehu Sani cautioned Adesina against venturing into Nigeria’s political terrain, warning that politicians often set up technocrats for failure.
“My friend Adesina should not be misled by the sweet songs and drumbeats of politicians to jump into their crocodile and shark-infested political streams and later abandon him midway. They have a seasonal mischievous history of motivating the zebra to take on the tiger. Continue your great work for our African continent,” Sani stated.
On the other hand, journalist and publisher Dele Momodu defended Adesina’s right to contest, arguing that no one should be discouraged from pursuing their political ambition.
“Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to contest in whatever capacity, and no one should be bullied out of their dreams by known supporters of certain aspirants/candidates. Nigeria desperately needs men and women of capacity, and my friend Senator Shehu Sani is free to campaign for any candidate of his choice,” Momodu said.
