Nigerian Banker Akinwumi Adesina Withers Political Storm Over Graft, Re-Elected Chairman AfDB

Flamboyant Nigerian banker Akinwumi Adesina has been re-elected chairman of the African Development Bank (AfDB) after weathering a political storm over allegations of corruption.

Mr Adesina ran unopposed and gained 100% of votes cast at the AfDB’s annual meeting, held via video link, to secure a second term, a statement by the bank said.

His re-election came after an independent panel last month upheld a decision of the AfDB’s ethics committee to clear him of all charges.

The panel’s decision was seen as a rebuff to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who pushed for a review of the ethics committee’s decision.

Whistleblowers had accused the Nigerian of giving contracts to friends and appointing relatives at the bank.

Mr Adesina denied all wrongdoing.

A charismatic speaker, who is known for his elegant suits and bow ties, he has led the bank since 2015.