Uzodimma Responds to Davido's Call for Fair Elections in Osun

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has reacted after singer David "Davido" Adeleke urged a politician to ensure a free and fair election in Osun State.

Davido, who leads the youth campaign for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, spoke to supporters about rumors that a politician from Imo State wanted to interfere in the election. He did not mention any names but claimed that the politician planned to use the election to make a political point.

He called for peace and asked the politician to let the people of Osun State choose their candidate freely.

In a statement on Wednesday, Uzodimma, through his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, told Davido to focus his appeal on the voters instead of him. Uzodimma is the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the election.

Uzodimma said, "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."

He added, "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 mentioned that the APC would keep asking Osun voters to support their governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. He claimed that many voters in the state want to vote out Davido's uncle for not keeping his promises.

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."

Uzodimma continued, "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 urged Davido to help Adeleke prepare for life after the election instead of making emotional pleas. He also jokingly suggested that Davido might need to sign his uncle as a dancer in his music band if he loses the election.

Uzodimma noted, "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."

He added, "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."

This exchange between Davido and Uzodimma comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze bank accounts linked to the Osun State Government. It also follows reports of the police arresting and detaining Adeleke’s supporters.

Davido's campaign group, known as the Imole Campaign Council, has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the release of the detained supporters. This petition was submitted at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

The group accused the police in Osun State of intimidating Adeleke’s supporters ahead of the August 15 off-cycle governorship election. They also alleged that security forces arrested and unlawfully detained several of the governor's supporters without justification.

The governorship election is set for August 15, with Adeleke running under the Accord Party.