Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has denied endorsing Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, for a second term.
Dangote made this statement on Sunday, July 5, through his spokesman, Anthony Chiejina.
The business mogul described the reports that he endorsed the governor as an attempt to tarnish his image.
Further, he said as a business leader, his focus is on development, job creation, and philanthropy, not politics.
“This is the first time that I have seen people publicly campaign for electoral office using the name of my Boss; and I have to stop it immediately so that others will not try it in future,” he said.
“The said interview allegedly granted by Aliko Dangote in Abuja is an outright falsehood, a malicious, irresponsible, and mischievous act aimed at tarnishing my boss’s reputation. Aliko Dangote has not travelled out of Lagos since March 19, 2020.
“In fact, he said he has not crossed the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge since that date. His name and personality should not be drawn into any political campaign.
“Aliko Dangote is an entrepreneur and business leader whose focus is on development, job creation, and philanthropy. He has not endorsed anyone for electoral positions in Edo or any other state of Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Obaseki, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, will face Osagie Ize-Iyamu, All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer at the governorship election scheduled for September 19.
Also, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be mindful of making what he described as “senseless statements”.
Atiku made this statement in the wake of accusations by the APC linking him to Hushpuppi; alongside some PDP chieftains.
The APC had further implored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to investigate the alleged alliance.
In a statement by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena; the APC had said Hushpuppi taking a photograph with Atiku and some other PDP stalwarts like Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye, and Yakubu Dogara in Dubai might not have been a coincidence.
Also Read: Boris Johnson reportedly set for major U-turn over Huawei role in UK 5G network
He said; ”It is curious that the All Progressives Congress is mischievously trying to link Atiku Abubakar to the alleged fraudster; Ramon Abbas, AKA Hushpuppi, simply because he was photographed with Atiku at an event where many Nigerians had gathered.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it was a mere photo-op and not at any meeting as being ingloriously speculated.”
