The Interview Editors
African richest man, Aliko Dangote, has refuted rumours that he endorsed incumbent governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, for a second term.
Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, in a statement on Sunday said reports claiming Dangote had endorsed Obaseki were false and should be disregarded, adding that Dangote has no candidate in the forthcoming Edo governorship election.
“Our attention has been drawn to an online publication titled ‘Edo Guber: Dangote endorses Godwin Obaseki for second tenure’.
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“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, Chiejina said.
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While urging the public to disregard reports associating Dangote’s name and brand with partisan politics, Chiejina said Dangote is focused on development, job creation and philanthropy and not partisan,
Chiejina said, “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.
“We caution the public to ignore claims from any quarter that associate the Dangote name or brand with partisan politics.”
Edo governorship election is scheduled to hold on September 19 according to Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
