Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has been revealed as the last known public figure to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari before his passing.
The visit happened on April 17, 2025, in Kaduna—nearly three months before Buhari’s death in London on July 13. Adesina shared the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), shortly after the former president’s death was confirmed.
In his message, Adesina expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying he visited Buhari to thank him personally for the unwavering support he received during both his first election and subsequent re-election as AfDB President.
“President Buhari stood firmly by me, even during the most challenging moments,” Adesina wrote. “His behind-the-scenes influence was pivotal in securing the backing of African leaders. I remain deeply thankful.”
Though it’s still unclear when exactly Buhari left the country, his absence at the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebration on May 28 raised eyebrows. His aides at the time attributed it to health-related issues.
Buhari, who led Nigeria first as a military head of state and later as a two-term civilian president, passed away in a London clinic at the age of 82 following a long illness.
