Afrobeats star David “Davido” Adeleke has urged residents of Osun State to reject violence and allow voters to freely choose their leaders in the forthcoming governorship election.
Davido made the appeal while addressing supporters in his capacity as head of the youth campaign mobilization team for the incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, whom he described as “one of the best, if not the best” governors the state has produced.
The singer acknowledged the tension surrounding the election but urged residents to remain calm and exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation. “I speak to you today not just as Davido, but as one of your own, as a voice for our people,” he said.
Davido, 33, said violence should have no place in the democratic process, urging supporters to remain peaceful regardless of political differences.
“I understand the tension and emotions surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm. Very important. We’ve been calm for how long? Don’t forget we’ve won this thing twice before. “No shaking.
We’ve won it twice before, and we’re going to win it again for the third time, by the grace of God. Let us reject violence. I’ll say it again,” said the “Timeless” hitmaker.
Davido also appealed to an unnamed politician from Imo State to allow a free and fair election in Osun State, saying he had heard allegations of attempts to interfere in the election.
“And to our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect, sir. I’ve heard rumours that there are moves to interfere in the Osun State election or to use the state as a political battleground to prove a point.
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“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.”
The singer said his connection to Imo State, where his wife, Chioma, is from, made the appeal particularly personal.
“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. Thank you,” he said.
Davido further urged politicians and their supporters to respect the democratic process and allow voters to determine the outcome of the election. He called on eligible voters to turn out in large numbers, cast their ballots peacefully and reject intimidation.
“Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of the Osun people at risk. I appeal to you, your supporters, and the entire political party structure, let the people come out freely, peacefully, to vote for the candidate of their choice.
“If they choose you, let the victory be through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected. Politics is temporary, but Osun will be here forever. No political victory is worth violence, destruction, or the loss of a single life.”
Davido also defended the record of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, saying the administration had projects and achievements to show for its performance in office.
“We have our projects to show for it. We have our integrity to show for it. We have our diligence to show for it,” he said.
He said it was important for the youth campaign mobilization team to communicate its position to young voters ahead of the election.
“To every person in Osun, come out and exercise your right to vote. Do not be afraid or intimidated. Your vote is your voice, and your choice must be respected. I’ll say it again. Your choice must be respected.”
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