A former New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, has paid a visit to former Osun State Deputy Governor and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, at his Abuja residence.
Omisore, who recently lost out in the APC primaries in Osun State, announced the visit on his Facebook page.
Naija News reports that Adams, a former police officer who rose to become the 111th Mayor of New York City, was indicted in late 2024 on multiple counts bordering on bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy linked to campaign financing.
Prosecutors had accused him of accepting unlawful contributions, including funds from foreign nationals, and engaging in questionable financial transactions.
The indictment triggered FBI raids and led to resignations of close allies, severely weakening his administration.
However, in April 2025, a federal judge dismissed the charges with prejudice, preventing them from being refiled. Adams described the ruling as vindication, though the political fallout effectively ended his tenure.
His appearance in Nigeria marks his first known international engagement since leaving office.
Meeting With Betta Edu
Adams was also hosted in Abuja by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, at her residence on Sunday.
According to reports, discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria–United States collaboration in security, humanitarian response, health and economic development.
Speaking after the meeting, Edu said the engagement offered an opportunity to present Nigeria’s security realities from a citizen-centred perspective.
“Beyond security, the United States should find ways to support health, humanitarian services, education, and other critical sectors to achieve a more durable and holistic solution to insecurity,” she said.
She also appealed to Adams to leverage his global network to attract investments, grants and development funding into Nigeria.
“I feel honoured to receive him, and Nigeria will greatly benefit from this strategic visit,” Edu added.
Health sector issues featured prominently during the meeting, particularly Nigeria’s drive toward Universal Health Coverage.
Edu noted that high out-of-pocket healthcare spending remains a significant contributor to poverty, stressing the need for sustained international partnerships.
On the economy, she said Nigeria was stabilising and open to mutually beneficial investments.
Adams, in his remarks, highlighted the contributions of Nigerians to New York City, describing it as home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities globally.
“You are Nigerian-American, not American-Nigerian,” Adams told members of the diaspora, urging them to remain connected to their roots and support Nigeria’s development.
He pledged to mobilise investment opportunities and development funding while encouraging diaspora participation in initiatives aimed at reducing insecurity and poverty.
During the Abuja visit, Edu presented Adams with locally made souvenirs, including Adire fabrics, in what was described as a gesture of Nigerian hospitality and cultural pride.
Edu’s Past Controversy
Edu’s own political journey has been turbulent.
Appointed minister in August 2023 at the age of 37, she later became embroiled in controversy following allegations that ₦585 million earmarked for vulnerable groups was transferred into a private account.
The development prompted President Bola Tinubu to suspend her in January 2024 and order an investigation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched a probe, while civil society groups called for transparency in the handling of the matter.
Though she was not immediately dismissed, mounting pressure eventually led to her exit from office.
