The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Nigeria’s former minister, Dr. Akiwumi Adesina, on Saturday, 7th May 2022, joined the presidential race by obtaining copies of his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to vie for the All Progressives Congress Presidential (APC) ticket.

It was reported that a coalition of 28 different groups consisting of Youth Arise Movement, Nigerians in Diaspora One Nigeria Group, Prudent Youth Association of Nigeria, women groups, farmers, people with disabilities and other civil society groups, raised the N100m fee to purchase the forms for the former minister. The coalition is reportedly led by Mohammed Saleh, who happens to be the head of the ‘One Nigeria Group’.

It could be recalled that one of the allies of the AfDB’s boss had earlier hinted that Dr Adesina may join the 2023 presidential race on the platform of the APC. He disclosed there were indications that he might pick the nomination and expression of interest forms next week before the deadline.

The Convener, Diaspora Support Group of North America and Europe, Dr. Tony Bello who spoke with newsmen on Saturday, stated there was 100 per cent assurance that the support groups would pick up the forms for Adesina once he is drafted into the race.

According to Bello, the support groups were excited about the extended deadline for the sale of forms to May 10 by the APC, noting Adesina was most qualified, better prepared and the best option.

He said, “We believe if we are able to convince Adesina to join the presidential race, under the platform of APC, that would be the best. We are excited that there’s possibility that we will be bringing him on board. I don’t know if he’s a card-carrying member but we believe that Adesina would be considered by the leadership of the party.

“It is not too late for him to join. The sale of the expression of interest form and nomination form were extended, and there’s still time especially for those who are waiting to make decision.

“We are working with many other groups in diaspora, and we are calling on him to join the race. We work as a team, and we are aligning our interest. Other groups across Nigeria are also working hard to promote his candidacy. We have global influence and local support groups across Nigeria, and we are getting others to talk to him. It is a 50:50 chance at this stage, and there’s 100% chance that we will pick the forms for him.

“He has the capabilities to fix Nigeria. He has humble beginnings, and every Nigerian can relate to his life story especially how he grew up, and most importantly, his decisions have always been based on merit. He is a detribalized Nigerian. He will bring visionary leadership to the country and help restore past glory.

“On the African stage, he has demonstrated that he has what it takes. If Nigeria succeeds, then Africa succeeds. We have had conversation with him, we are getting others involved. We need a technocrat at this stage of our democracy. We are working with many persons underground.

Bello further stated, “Once we pick up the form, I believe we would have other persons who will join us. Groups such as Youths group including Youth Arise Movement, Prudent Youth, Women for a Secured Nation, Northern Coalition progressives, Diaspora Group of North America and Europe.

“We do not belong to any party, we are looking for the interest of Nigeria, and looking for who can lead us, and someone who can manage the country especially issues such as insecurity, economy, others.”

It’s noteworthy that Dr Adesina, an erstwhile Minister of Agriculture in the country, is the first Nigerian to occupy the top job at the development finance institution. He had previously served in several high-profile positions internationally, including that of the Rockefeller Foundation.

Dr Adesina, who is currently serving a second term as AfDB President, which will elapse in 2025, penultimate week, met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja.

If you asked me, I would say the game is fast becoming more interesting and entertaining as the days unfold. It’s really obvious and indisputable that Dr Adesina’s abrupt display of interest to participate in the impending Nigeria’s presidential race is an indication that the battle ground is indeed getting to the tougher stage.

As we watch keenly to observe the end of the show, it’s our collective duty to ensure the electorate remain cautious of their responsibilities. Then, as regards the primaries, the delegates of the various parties must concentrate on how their tickets would be given only to the best among the aspirants.

The South-West presidential aspirants in Nigeria on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and leaders of the party from the zone have met, behind closed doors, at the Lagos State House in Marina on Friday, 6th May 2022, ahead of the party primaries, which will hold later this month.

Reports indicate that they have reached an agreement to ensure the region produces the next presidential candidate of the party. A former National Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande made this known while addressing newsmen at the end of a meeting.

According to the statesman, the South-West APC presidential aspirants, governors and other leaders were united ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“The party stalwarts and aspirants have agreed to talk to themselves and the public with absolute decorum. We are united as we will ensure that the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will come to the South-West.

“We had a fruitful discussion. We also resolved that everybody should maintain absolute decorum because we are united.” Akande disclosed.

Those present at the meeting included the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo; a former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu; former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Others were the governors of Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti, Messrs Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Oyetola, Dapo Abiodun, Rotimi Akeredolu and Kayode Fayemi, respectively..

Also present at the meeting were the Ministers of Works and Housing, Trade and Industry and Investment, and Interior, Messrs Babatunde Fashola, Adeniyi Adebayo and Rauf Aregbesola, respectively.

Other APC leaders at the meeting were: former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; the APC National Secretary, Chief Iyiola Omisore; former Deputy governor of Oyo State, Otunba Moses Adeyemo; and former National Vice-Chairman of APC, South-West Zone, Pius Akinyelure; among others.

This was a good and good move, to assert the least, hence highly commendable. It will go a long way to reach a consensus among the various aspirants from the said zone, thereby giving them an advantage over other zones across the federation.

Aspirants from other zones, particularly South-East, need to leverage on such a wonderful step, rather than going around and seeing themselves as enemies.

The myriad of aspirants from the South-East, who are of the view that it’s their time/turn to produce the Nigeria’s president come 2023, shouldn’t be informed or reminded that they are expected to speak with only one voice if they actually want people, or the electorate, to take them seriously.

The fact remains that any zone that eventually achieves consensus in the long run, has the chances of securing the seat at Aso Rock come 2023. This implies the people of the South-West are already one step ahead of others.