Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election to respect the will of the electorate and ensure the poll is conducted peacefully.
The singer, who has been an outspoken political voice in Osun and was one of the fiercest celebrity critics of the All Progressives Congress during previous election campaigns in the state, made the appeal at a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Davido, a nephew of Governor Ademola Adeleke, said no political ambition should be allowed to threaten the peace of the state or endanger the lives of its people.
Addressing governorship candidates, including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, he urged all political actors and their supporters to allow voters to make their choices freely.
“Dear contestants in the Osun State governorship election, this is your opportunity to seek the mandate of the people, but political opportunities come and go. Whatever the outcome, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk,” he said.
He added, “I appeal to you, your supporters and your party structures to allow the people to come out freely and peacefully to vote for the candidate of their choice. If they choose you, let your victory come through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected.”
Davido also urged eligible voters not to be intimidated, insisting that every vote must count.
“I understand the tension and emotions surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm. No political ambition, disagreement or election is worth the life of any Osun son or daughter. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and destruction,” he said.
He encouraged residents to turn out peacefully on election day, saying, “To every eligible voter 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.”
The music star also addressed the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, appealing to him to support a free and credible electoral process.
Davido said he had heard rumours of possible interference in the election but stressed that he was not presenting the allegations as established facts.
“To our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect. I have heard rumours suggesting there are moves to interfere in the Osun 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,” he said.
Highlighting his personal connection to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, the singer appealed for restraint from all political interests.
“We have mutual connections, and I have a deep personal connection to Imo State because my wife, Chioma, is from the state. Please, let Osun remain peaceful, allow democracy to take its course and let the people decide,” he added.
Davido concluded by urging residents to embrace peace regardless of the outcome of the election.
“Politics is temporary, but Osun will remain. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life.
“To everyone in Osun, please come out, vote peacefully, reject intimidation and let your voice be heard. Osun is ours, the future is ours, and let peace lead the way,” he said.
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