Afrobeats star Davido and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma have locked horns over the forthcoming Osun governorship election in a sharp exchange that has dominated headlines.
Davido, who is actively supporting his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, used a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday to issue a direct appeal. He called on the Imo governor, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) national campaign council for the August 15 poll, not to turn Osun into a political battleground.
“To our daddy from Imo state. I have heard rumours suggesting that there are plans 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 to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidate freely,” Davido said.
He added a personal note:
“We have a mutual connection with Imo state. My wife Chioma is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere… allow democracy to take its place and let the people decide. Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the life of Osun people at risk.”
Davido, who heads the Imole youth campaign mobilisation team, also urged voters to come out without fear, reject violence and ensure every vote counts. He expressed confidence that Adeleke would secure a second term.
Uzodimma responded swiftly through his special assistant on electronic and creative media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu. The governor described Davido’s appeal as pedestrian and insisted the real decision rests with Osun voters.
“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 are the ones that will ultimately decide the outcome of the election through their votes,” the statement read.
Uzodimma maintained that he has consistently preached peace and a credible process while urging support for the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO). He went further to criticise Adeleke’s record, describing the administration as a woeful failure and claiming many voters are determined to reject it.
The sharpest jab came at the end:
“Rather than attempting to influence Governor Hope Uzodimma through emotional appeals, Davido should concentrate on helping his uncle prepare for life after office… 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.”
The exchange has heightened tension ahead of the high-stakes poll, with both sides claiming the moral high ground on peace while trading pointed political barbs. Osun residents will decide the outcome at the ballot box on August 15.