The President of African Development Bank, Mr Akinwunmi Adeshina, has pulled out of the Presidential race under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
A coalition of 28 groups comprising women bodies, youths, the physically challenged reportedly contributed the N100 million to procure the expression of interest and nomination form of all Progressives Congress for the ADB boss on May 7.
Adesina said in a statement on Tuesday
That he is fully committed to take advantage of his job as the President of the African Development Bank to attract development to Africa.
Adesina said that while he is touched and honoured by the goodwill and kindness of his supporters, the situation around him does not allow him to join the presidential race.
The full statement, “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 remain fully engaged and committed to the mission that Nigeria, Africa and all the non-African shareholders of the African Development Bank have given me for Africa’s development.
“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, political right, freedom of expression and association for my consideration, with the interest of Nigeria at heart.
“While I am deeply honored, 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 African Development Bank have given me for Africa’s development.
“I remain fully focused on the mission of supporting the accelerated development and economic integration of Africa.
“May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless Africa.”