-
Afrobeats star Davido appeals to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to ensure the August 15 Osun governorship election is not turned into a political battleground, urging respect for the will of the electorate.
-
Singer throws his weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, describing him as one of Osun’s finest leaders and citing his administration’s performance, integrity and commitment to development.
-
Davido urges youths, political actors and supporters across party lines to reject violence, intimidation and voter suppression, insisting that democracy must prevail through peaceful participation.
-
While stressing that reports of interference remain unverified, the music star says his appeal to Uzodimma is made in good faith, recalling his personal ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma.
August 5, (THEWILL) — Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, not to allow the August 15 Osun State governorship election to become a political battleground, urging him to use his influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to freely choose their next governor.
Davido made the appeal on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, where he addressed growing political tension and security concerns ahead of the governorship election.
The award-winning singer, who openly declared his support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s bid for a second term, described the governor as one of Osun State’s finest leaders, citing what he called his achievements in governance, integrity and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election has attracted heightened political attention amid allegations of intimidation, security concerns and accusations of external interference by rival political camps. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking a second term in a race involving 14 candidates.
The build-up to the election has also witnessed increased deployment of security personnel, legal disputes over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s salary account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and repeated appeals from political leaders, civil society groups and public figures for a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of a youth campaign mobilisation team, Davido said the press conference was organised to reassure young voters and encourage them to participate peacefully in the electoral process.
Addressing Governor Uzodimma directly, Davido said he had heard reports suggesting there were plans by some political interests to interfere in the Osun governorship election or turn the state into a theatre for political supremacy.
While clarifying that he could not independently verify the reports, he urged the Imo governor to ensure that Osun people were allowed to decide their future through the ballot box.
“And to our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect, sir. I’ve heard rumours suggesting that there are moves to interfere in the Osun State election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you, sir, to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidates freely.”
Davido said his appeal was sincere, noting that he shares a personal bond with Imo State through his wife, Chioma.
“We have mutual connections, and I have a deep connection to Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful. We say it again. Please, let Osun remain peaceful. One more time. Let Osun remain peaceful. Thank you. Let’s allow democracy to take its course and let the people decide.”
The singer reaffirmed his support for Governor Adeleke, saying the administration had earned another mandate through its performance in office.
He praised the governor’s projects, leadership style and commitment to governance, insisting that the people of Osun should be allowed to determine whether he deserves another term.
Davido expressed confidence that the incumbent governor would emerge victorious if the election was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
Calls for Peaceful Poll
The music star appealed to political parties, supporters and stakeholders to reject violence, intimidation, provocation and the destruction of lives and property before, during and after the election. He urged eligible voters not to be intimidated but to come out in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right peacefully.
According to him, every legitimate vote must count, and the outcome of the election should reflect the freely expressed will of the people.
Davido said Osun has long been known for peace, resilience and political maturity, urging residents to preserve that reputation by resisting any attempt to drag the state into violence.
“No political ambition is worth the blood of innocent people”, he said, urging all contestants to embrace peace regardless of the outcome of the election.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
