Presidency Denies AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Is a Political Threat to President Tinubu
Abuja, May 6, 2025 – The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims that Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), poses any political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The denial came amid growing speculation following Dr. Adesina’s recent remarks on Nigeria’s economic performance.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the statement during an interview on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines on Tuesday evening. He emphasized that Dr. Adesina’s comments should be viewed as part of an economic discourse rather than political opposition.
“As a politician, I don’t consider Dr. Akinwumi a threat to this president or to our political party,” Onanuga said. “I was surprised by what I consider a non sequitur argument-that because GDP per capita has fallen, life was necessarily better in 1960 than now. That does not follow.”
Dr. Adesina, in a keynote address on April 30, 2025, stated that Nigeria’s GDP per capita had fallen from $1,847 in 1960 to about $824 today, suggesting Nigerians are “significantly worse off than they were 64 years ago.” This statement sparked debate and political speculation about his intentions.
Onanuga challenged the accuracy of these figures, citing World Bank data that placed Nigeria’s 1960 GDP per capita at $93, not $1,847, and argued that GDP alone does not capture improvements in life expectancy, education, infrastructure, and social programs under the Tinubu administration.
He further highlighted the government’s achievements, including expanded rail networks, road construction, and social welfare initiatives, which have contributed to improving Nigerians’ quality of life.
The Presidency also dismissed rumors suggesting political rivalry or attempts to undermine the Tinubu administration, calling such claims “unfounded” and emphasizing the importance of focusing on national development.
Dr. Adesina’s tenure as AfDB President is set to end in August 2025, with a leadership election forthcoming. He remains a prominent figure in African development, advocating for economic reforms, industrialization, and leveraging Africa’s demographic dividend.
