Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has responded to comments made by Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
The former senator told the singer to focus on preparing his uncle for life after office rather than directing political appeals at him.
Uzodimma, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, said Davido should channel his message to the people of the state, insisting that they would be the ones to determine the outcome of the poll.
The exchange followed comments made by Davido during a campaign event in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.
The singer, who is leading the youth mobilisation team for the governor’s campaign, warned against any attempt by politicians outside Osun State to influence the election.
Although Davido did not mention Uzodimma by name, he alleged that a politician from Imo State was planning to interfere in the electoral process.
He urged the individual to allow the people of Osun State to decide their next governor without external pressure.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma dismissed the singer’s comments and maintained that his focus remained on ensuring victory for the APC through lawful political campaigns.
“It is rather pedestrian for Davido to direct such an appeal to the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum simply because his wife is from Imo State. Instead, his appeal should be directed to the people of Osun State, who will ultimately decide the election’s outcome through their votes.
“The #PeoplesGovernor of Imo State, who also serves as the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the Osun State Governorship Election, has consistently preached peace and reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful, free, and credible election.”
Uzodimma also argued that the APC would continue to campaign across Osun State and persuade voters to support its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
According to him, the election would be decided by the electorate and not by celebrities or emotional appeals made during political campaigns.
The governor further claimed that many residents of Osun State had become dissatisfied with the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and were ready to vote for a new government.
He said, “The reality is that Governor Ademola Adeleke has, in the opinion of many, failed woefully in the discharge of his responsibilities. This is why many Osun voters are determined to vote him out in the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
“The signals emerging from across Osun State are clear. There is a growing indication that a significant number of voters have rejected the current administration and are prepared to embrace a new direction.”
Uzodimma went further by taking a swipe at Davido, saying the singer should prepare to accommodate his uncle after the election if he eventually loses his bid for another term.
He said the musician should begin making plans to employ Governor Adeleke as a dancer in his music crew once he leaves office.
“Rather than attempting to influence Governor Hope Uzodimma through emotional appeals, Davido should concentrate on helping his uncle prepare for life after office, as the people of Osun appear ready to cast their votes massively in favour of the APC candidate.
“Perhaps, Davido should also begin making preparations to officially sign his uncle as a dancer in his musical band, because judging by the mood of the electorate, he may well be out of a political job after the August 15, 2026, governorship election.”
Members of the governor’s campaign organisation had petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, alleging that several supporters were arrested and detained by security operatives in Osun State.
The campaign council claimed the arrests formed part of efforts to intimidate members of the ruling administration ahead of the election.
The campaign organisation also criticised the freezing of bank accounts linked to the Osun State Government, insisting that the developments were capable of affecting governance and political activities in the state.
