Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), says former President Muhammadu Buhari supported him in difficult times.
Adesina spoke when he visited Buhari in his residence in Kaduna on Thursday.
According to a statement, Adesina’s primary purpose for the visit was to thank Buhari for his steadfast support throughout the election processes for the AfDB presidency.
Adesina said Buhari played a crucial role in his nomination as AfDB president, even though he was initially nominated by former President Goodluck Jonathan for the position.
He said Buhari also provided vital support during his re-election campaign in 2020.
“He strongly stood by me in difficult times, which ensured my re-election. Thank you Sir,” Adesina was quoted as saying.
The statement said Adesina recounted how, upon arriving in one of the countries for the initial election campaign, he was reminded that Jonathan— who had nominated him — was leaving office.
Describing himself as a “stranded candidate,” Adesina said he arranged to meet with the then-incoming Buhari.
During the meeting, Buhari also recalled his first encounter with the AfDB president, saying he had long admired Adesina’s career and integrity.
Despite acknowledging Adesina’s affiliation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Buhari said he pledged his support for Adesina’s AfDB presidency.
“I always look at people as Nigerians, and if they need assistance, I support them on their merit,” Buhari said.
The former president also congratulated the AfDB president on the official launch of the Kaduna special agro-industrial processing zones (SAPZ) initiative, a flagship programme under Adesina’s leadership at the bank.
Adesina is expected to conclude his tenure as president of the AfDB by September.
