Ebun Francis| Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, on Sunday said he did not endorse Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, for a second term.
Dangote’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, who described reports that the business mogul endorsed Obaseki as an attempt to tarnish his image, noted as a business leader, Dangote’s focus is on development, job creation and philanthropy, not politics.
Chiejina said, “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.”
“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.”
Obaseki, who recently decamped from the ruling All Progressive Congress following his disqualification by the party’s screening committee, will contest the September 19 Edo state governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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