Akinwumi Adesina Becomes AU-endorsed AfDB Candidate After Probe

The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Mahamat, has disclosed his support for the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, as the Nigerian contest for a second term as head of the largest bank in Africa. Adesina had become the President in 2015, but his first tenure ended in May.

Mahamat made this known while speaking on the probe into Adesina's activities as President of AfDB. AllNews had reported that a whistleblower accused Adesina of abusing his office and using the office power for his personal wants, an act that contravenes the conduct of AfDB.

Allegations Against Adesina

The accusations range from using his position as AfDB President for private gain, being an impediment to efficiency, showing preferential treatment, bribery of ECOWAS members, involving in political activity, and making questionable appointments and departures; all allegations Adesina have denied.

AfDB Ethics Committee/Independent Review Probe

This led to an investigation into Adesina, but the ethics committee of AfDB cleared him, and an independent committee that reviewed the findings of AfDB ethics committee also absolved him of the allegations, clearing the way for Adesina to contest for a second term.

The independent review occured after the  U.S. Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, questioned the integrity of the ethics committee. But after the independent probe, it was revealed by the independent panel that, "The panel concurs with the committee in its findings in respect of all the allegations against the president and finds that they were properly considered and dismissed by the committee."

It added that, “It consulted PIAC and the auditor-general. It engaged in discussion and debate of each individual complaint and reached a consensus on the outcome. It applied the correct standard and prepared a report for submission to the chairperson of the bureau of the board of governors”.

While addressing Adesina's defense and evidence he provided to support his claim, the independent review committee said the evidence Adesina submitted was, “consistent with his innocence and to be persuasive."

Adesina Is African Union-endorsed Candidate

With both the ethics committee and independent panel clearing Adesina, Mahamat said Adesina African Union-endorsed candidate, as his vindication has proved his integrity, “My warmest congratulations to Akinwumi Adesina following the confirmation by internal and external reviews of his leadership and integrity as president of the AfDB Group.

"I reaffirm our continued steadfast support as he seeks to renew his mandate as the African Union-endorsed candidate,” Mahamat said in a Twitter Post. Note that the election should have held in May during the general meeting of AfDB, but the investigation and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed it. Meanwhile, Adesina is the sole candidate for the position of AfDB's President.