When you think of Essa Mbye Faal, you think of one of the most influential and successful Gambians.

The presidential candidate owns multi-million dalasi houses in The Gambia and Senegal, businesses worth millions, and multiple luxury cars - all of which suggest he's wealthy.

But the lawyer-turned-politician denied reports that he is among the country's billionaires.

According to Elegance Magazine, Essa has more than $1million in his Senegalese bank account and owns a gated community in Dakar worth over $15million.

There are also rumors that he has a hotel in Mbour - one of the most popular towns in Senegal for tourists.

Speaking to journalist Fatou Touray on Monday, Essa said: "What they wrote is not true. God knows what they wrote is not true. Billahi wallahi tallahi, what they wrote is not true."

He appealed to Gambians to fund his campaign to become the next president saying: "Donald Trump was a billionaire but when he ran for president, people funded his campaign."

Six candidates are running for president, but Essa is the only independent candidate. He said The Gambia needs a change of leadership after five years of President Adama Barrow and he believes he's the right person for the job.