Emmanuel Adebayor Explains His Support for Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé Amid Controversial Video
Emmanuel Adebayor’s recent video showing his support for Togo’s outgoing President Faure Gnassingbé in the upcoming presidential elections has sparked a heated debate among his fans and the public. The Togolese football star addressed the mixed reactions in an exclusive interview with Jeune Afrique, shedding light on his decision and the motivations behind it.
Why Support Faure Gnassingbé?
Adebayor explained that his choice to support Gnassingbé comes from a personal perspective rooted in his upbringing and observations of the country’s progress under the current president. “I was born in Togo during the era of his father, the late President Eyadema. Like all Togolese, I witnessed Faure Gnassingbé’s rise to power in 2005. Like many sincere and objective fellow citizens, I saw the country undergo profound changes, with infrastructure and undeniable social peace,” Adebayor said. He emphasized that his support is based on the visible changes in the country and his belief that Gnassingbé is the right person to continue Togo’s development.
For Adebayor, his support is purely about Togo’s future, stating, “In my video, I only publicly affirmed my choice of a Togo that prospers with the current president.”
Accusations of Being “Bought” by the Government
Adebayor addressed claims from critics who argue that he has been “bought” by the government, defending his position by stating his financial independence. “You know better than I do my salary at Tottenham, with whom I am still under contract. I can’t say I’m rich, but I’m not to be pitied,” he clarified. He went on to explain that, like many Togolese, people are free to support whichever candidate they choose. “I don’t think President Faure Gnassingbé can pay everyone who chooses him on April 25,” Adebayor added, stressing that his support is based on a rational analysis of the current political situation.
Future Plans and Business Ventures in Togo
In the interview, Adebayor also spoke about his plans after football, particularly his commitment to supporting youth development in Togo through his foundation, “SEA” (his initials). “I have a pan-African foundation, SEA, which is committed to development in Togo through its youth. This project will keep me busy when the time comes for my retirement from sport,” he explained. Adebayor is in discussions with Western partners to bring investments in agriculture, tourism, and entrepreneurship to Togo, projects that align with Faure Gnassingbé’s initiatives, including the construction of youth centers. “We are partners. We are providing resources to enable our brothers to train in new technologies,” he said, pointing out that these efforts are meant to help young people succeed and contribute to the country’s prosperity.
Maintaining Independence Despite Support
Adebayor, who has been outspoken about the Togolese authorities in the past, made it clear that his support for Faure Gnassingbé does not mean he will blindly follow the president. “We live in a democracy, and voting for a candidate cannot condemn us to constantly looking in the same direction as him,” he said. He assured his supporters that if things do not go well, he would not hesitate to speak out. “I can swear that the day things don’t go well, I will denounce him,” Adebayor declared.
He concluded by reiterating his deep love for Togo and his commitment to ensuring the country remains a place of peace and prosperity. “I hope that this country, which I love more than anything, will be a haven of peace and prosperity for all my fellow citizens,” he said. “This wish will guide my actions today and tomorrow.”
Adebayor’s statement reflects his genuine desire to see Togo thrive, even as it continues to stir controversy among fans who may disagree with his political stance.
