Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), says he will not run for the post of president in the 2023 general elections.
Adesina, who said this in a statement on Tuesday, May 17, said he was focused on the mission of supporting the accelerated development as well as economic integration of Africa.
According to him, “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.
“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.
“They also expressed their political right, freedom of expression; and association for my consideration, with the interest of Nigeria at heart.
“While I am deeply honoured, 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 AfDB have given me for Africa’s development,’’ he said.
There had been reports in some sections of the media that Adesina will join the 2023 presidential race, before this refutation.
Meanwhile, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is too late to tinker with the schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections.
Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, stated this. This was while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, May 16, in Abuja.
Okoye also spoke against the backdrop of the two months extension of the deadline for the conduct of the parties’ primary recently sought by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
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According to him, any change in the June 3 deadline will affect other activities for elections.
“The timetable and schedule of activities released by the commission are derived from the constitution; the Electoral Act, and the Regulations and Guidelines of the commission.
“The political parties are proceeding with their congresses and primaries. The commission will not tamper with its fixtures; as doing so will affect other activities and constitutionally-circumscribed timelines,” he said
