Former Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina is under intense pressure to Join the presidential race, multiple sources have revealed to Sahel Standard.
The former minister who is currently the President of African Development Bank is said to have received several representations from top national leaders who see him as a winning candidate for the 2023 elections.
Reports indicated that groups lobbying the top technocrat are both from the rulling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoplea Democratic Party(PDP).
It was gathered however that top officials within the inner circle of President Muhammadu Buhari are gunning for the AFDB chief to break the impending deadlock within the party over 2023 race.
The group otherwise known as the cabal is said to be pushing for Adesina as a neutral option that will also split the PDP and strengthen the chances of the ruling party to retain power.
Multiple sources further hinted that the push for Adesina’s candidature within the President’s caucus include the closeness of Adesina to former President Olusegun Obasanjo , his extensive one on one relationship with influential global leaders , his cross party appeal, his entrenchment among professionals in the country and his widespread support for many states in Nigeria through the AFDB.
While it was not clear if President Buhari is supportive of the move, the President’s old CPC faction within the APC is said to be neckdeep in the plot.
Meanwhile, a support group has emerged in support of Adesina’s ambition. The group named New Century Progressives (NCP) has a top northern politician/professional as a coordinator and many southern politicians and professionals as members.
“We will soon unfold our plans and agenda . But we are rooting for Adesina. Nigerian needs him at this moment. He is the most credible among all potential candidates “, one of the NCP leaders who crave anonymity confided.
