“Let Osun Remain Peaceful” — Davido Urges Voters To Reject Violence, Appeals To Uzodimma Against Election Interference

Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to residents of Osun State to reject violence, intimidation and provocation as the state prepares for its governorship election.

Davido made the appeal on Wednesday during a youth mobilisation event in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke, where he urged eligible voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights without fear.

Speaking as “one of their own,” the singer said he understood the tension and emotion surrounding the election, but called on residents to remain calm and allow democracy to take its course.

“I speak to you today, not just as Davido, but as one of your own, as a voice for our people. I understand the tension and emotion surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm,” he said.

Davido, who declared support for Governor Adeleke, described him as one of the best leaders Osun State has had, citing his administration’s projects, integrity and diligence.

“We’re all here for one reason. It’s for the Executive Governor of Osun State, the only Chief Security Officer of Osun State. One of the best, if not the best, governor to ever have ruled this state. We have our projects to show for it. We have our integrity to show for it, and we have our diligence to show for it,” he said.

Expressing confidence in Adeleke’s chances, Davido said the governor had won before and would win again.

“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,” he added.

The singer urged voters not to be intimidated, stressing that their votes represented their voices and must be respected.

“Let us reject violence. I’ll say it again. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and, most importantly, destruction. 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,” he said.

Davido also appealed to political leaders and stakeholders to avoid actions capable of turning Osun into a political battleground.

Addressing Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, directly, Davido said he had heard rumours of alleged moves to interfere in the Osun election, but made it clear that he was not presenting the claims as facts.

“I’ve heard rumours suggesting that there are moves 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, sir, to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidates freely,” he said.

He said his appeal was sincere because of his personal connection to Imo State through his wife, Chioma.

“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,” he said.

Davido urged politicians, party supporters and other stakeholders to respect the will of the electorate, insisting that political ambition should never be allowed to endanger lives or destroy the future of the state.

“Let’s allow democracy take its course and let the people decide. Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk.

“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,” he said.

The singer added that Osun is known for peace, courage and resilience, and urged residents to preserve those values before, during and after the election.