President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, on Thursday visited former President Muhammadu Buhari and expressed gratitude to him for the support he received from him in his hour of need in his career.
Adesina lauded the former Nigerian leader’s role in supporting his emergence and eventual re-election as president of the continental bank.
In a statement after the visit, Adesina highlighted the roles Buhari played during his initial nomination and subsequent re-election campaign in 2020 stating that:
“He strongly stood by me in difficult times, which ensured my re-election. Thank you Sir.”
Adesina recounted that although his initial nomination for the AfDB presidency came under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Buhari’s support, despite their political differences, proved crucial when doubts were raised about his candidacy after the change in administration.
He recalled a moment during his early campaign travels when a foreign official pointed out that Jonathan, who nominated him, was leaving office, leaving him politically vulnerable. In response, Adesina reached out to Buhari, who was just assuming office at the time who Buhari graciously received him and pledged his full backing.
“I was a stranded candidate, but President Buhari assured me of his support. That meant a great deal,” Adesina recalled.
Responding, Buhari spoke fondly of Adesina, stating that he had always admired his professional track record and integrity.
“I always look at people as Nigerians, and if they need assistance, I support them on their merit,” Buhari said.
“Even though you were associated with the PDP, I never saw that — I saw a competent Nigerian doing great work.”
The AfDB president, who was a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, has enjoyed global applause for his leadership acumen at the bank, where he succeeded in ensuring some innovative initiatives in boosting infrastructure development, food security, and economic growth across Africa continent.
