Prepare To Employ Your Uncle As Dancer -Uzodimma Replies Davido

Imo State governor Hope Uzodimma has responded to comments by Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, telling the singer to focus on preparing his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, 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 take his message to the people of the state, insisting that they alone would determine the outcome of the poll.

Uzodimma also took a swipe at Davido, saying the singer should begin preparing to accommodate his uncle if he loses the election.

“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,” he added.

The exchange followed remarks by Davido during a campaign event in support of Governor 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 from 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 and urged the individual to allow the people of Osun State freely choose their next governor.

Reacting in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma dismissed the singer’s comments and maintained that his focus remained on securing 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,” the statement read.

Uzodimma said the APC would continue campaigning across Osun State and persuading 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.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, members of Governor Adeleke’s campaign organisation have 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 were part of efforts to intimidate members of the ruling administration ahead of the election.

It also criticised the freezing of bank accounts linked to the Osun State Government, arguing that the development could negatively affect governance and political activities in the state.