Osun 2026: Youths’ Conduct Restored Hope in Free, Fair Polls – Davido

Afrobeat star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has commended youths in Osun State for their conduct during the 2026 governorship election, saying their actions restored hope in the possibility of free and fair elections in Nigeria.

Davido spoke on Tuesday while addressing journalists at his country home in Ede, Osun State, following the re-election of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The singer thanked the people of Osun for supporting Adeleke, particularly for what he described as their determination to protect their votes from the polling units through the local government collation centres.

“Shout out to Osun youths, you guys didn’t really give hope to the people in Osun; you guys gave hope to the whole Nigeria because if this had gone the other way, I think Nigeria would have actually given up on what they call free and fair elections,” he said.

Davido said the governor’s re-election demonstrated that public officials who deliver good governance could earn the support of voters.

“My uncle, the Governor, should be an example to all other government officials out there. It means that if you work well for the people, the people will work well for you no matter what,” he said.

The singer expressed optimism about the next four years of Adeleke’s administration, saying the state was already “thriving” while more development initiatives were being planned.

Davido, who chairs the Osun Sports Trust Fund, disclosed plans to complete the ongoing stadium project and establish a recreational centre for young people.

He said the proposed facility would include football, swimming, tennis, basketball and athletics facilities, providing young people with opportunities to develop their talents and engage in productive activities.

According to him, the initiative is also expected to help keep youths away from crime and other social vices.

Davido further disclosed plans to establish a concert centre in Osun State, expressing hope that the facility would be ready before the governor’s inauguration in December.

He said a concert would be organised after the inauguration, with young Osun artistes expected to perform alongside him.

The singer also said he might organise a competition to identify talented young artistes who would feature at the event.

He said the initiatives could attract thousands of young people every month while creating platforms for them to showcase and develop their talents.

However, Davido acknowledged that the governorship election was not without incidents of violence, alleging that some of those involved were brought into the state from outside.

“A lot of the violence came from the people they brought in,” he alleged.

He said rehabilitation would form part of efforts to address some of the challenges confronting young people, noting that some individuals engage in negative activities because of their circumstances.

Davido also appealed for unity and forgiveness following the tensions that characterised the election campaign and voting period.

He admitted that forgiving those involved in what he and his family experienced during the election period would be difficult, but stressed that reconciliation was necessary for the future of the state.

“Forgiving for me is very hard, but it’s something we all have to do for the future of Osun,” he said.

The singer also thanked the people of Osun State for their support for the Adeleke family and for voting Governor Adeleke for another four-year term.