Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, has firmly rejected any political affiliations with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki. Adesanya's statement comes in response to ongoing discussions about the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, which has faced numerous delays and legal challenges over the years.

In a recent declaration, Adesanya emphasized that his primary focus is the successful development of the Mambilla project rather than any political patronage. He described himself as a businessman with a rich background in banking, having started his career at Citibank in the 1980s, and later transitioned into the energy sector. Adesanya noted that his extensive professional network should not be misconstrued as evidence of political allegiance.

“I am a Yoruba man and more Tinubu than Atiku,” Adesanya stated, reinforcing his support for President Bola Tinubu. He explained that his backing for Tinubu is rooted in both ethnic identity and a long-standing personal relationship with the President. Adesanya expressed his desire for the Tinubu administration to succeed, highlighting his proactive efforts to resolve issues related to the Mambilla project amicably, even against legal advice.

The Mambilla project, located in Taraba State, is poised to be one of Nigeria's key power generation initiatives, aimed at producing 3,050 megawatts of electricity. Despite the project's potential, it has been mired in legal disputes, notably a recent arbitration ruling in favor of the Nigerian government by an International Chamber of Commerce tribunal in Paris. This ruling has been hailed by President Tinubu as a significant milestone for the project’s future.

Adesanya criticized attempts to link him politically with Atiku and Dasuki, labeling such actions as the work of “mischief-doers and political detractors.” He urged stakeholders to move past the controversies and focus on the Mambilla project's contribution to Nigeria's power supply and economic growth. He reiterated the importance of collaboration across political lines to ensure the project's completion, stating that personal relationships should not be interpreted as hidden political motives.

As the federal government pushes forward with plans for the Mambilla project, Adesanya remains committed to seeing it realized. He believes that the focus should now be on overcoming the historical obstacles and harnessing the project's potential for the benefit of the nation.