Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has paid a courtesy visit to former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, thanking him for his consistent support throughout his leadership at the bank.
With his second term set to end in September, Adesina took time to acknowledge Buhari’s backing during both his initial election and re-election as AfDB president.
He credited the former president’s encouragement as instrumental during challenging times in his tenure.
“Your unwavering support, especially during difficult periods, played a vital role in securing my second term. I’m deeply grateful,” Adesina told Buhari.
Reflecting on his early campaign, Adesina recalled being told by an official in a member country that his nominator, then-President Goodluck Jonathan, was leaving office, making his candidacy uncertain.
He said this prompted him to seek Buhari’s endorsement.
During their meeting, Buhari praised Adesina’s professionalism and achievements, saying he had long respected his work.
He noted that while Adesina had links to a different political party, he chose to support him based on merit and national interest.
“I’ve always judged people based on what they stand for, not on party lines,” Buhari said. “When someone shows capacity and integrity, I offer support.”
Buhari also commended Adesina for championing the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones project, one of AfDB’s flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
Adesina, who first assumed the AfDB presidency in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020, became the first Nigerian to lead the continental financial institution.
His visit to Buhari is part of a series of engagements as he prepares to complete a decade of service.