President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has dismissed rumors that he intends to run for the presidency of Nigeria in the next election.

Adesina clarified that his statement about being ready to “serve in any capacity” during an interview with Arise TV was misrepresented by several media outlets.

Adesina, who was asked during the interview whether he would consider running for the Nigerian presidency after his tenure at AfDB expires, responded, “I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere—including in my own country, Nigeria.”

Following widespread speculation, Adesina took to his ‘X’ handle to set the record straight, stating that he is not contesting for the presidency.

“A segment of my recent interview on @ARISEtv has been both misinterpreted and misrepresented in several Nigerian media outlets. What I said was, ‘I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country.’ A listen to the substantive and robust interview, which is available online, will show this to be the case. For clarity and for the record, I did not say that I am running for the office of President of Nigeria,” he wrote.

Speaking further on leadership, Adesina stressed the importance of making a positive impact in people’s lives.

“People are remembered for the kindness that they show and the people they touch. The most important thing for a leader to have is kindness. When God gives you the opportunity, in whatever you do, be kind,” he said.

On his future plans after his tenure at AfDB, Adesina stated that he is focused on uplifting people rather than seeking power.

“I always believe in the providence of God, the grace of God. I don’t see myself as more than just an instrument in the hands of God to help people. The only thing that makes me happy is seeing the lives of people transform and change. That is what gives me satisfaction,” he concluded.