Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to all candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election to respect the will of the electorate and ensure the poll is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the singer, who is a nephew of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, said no political ambition should be allowed to threaten lives or undermine the state’s peace.
Davido urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence and any action capable of creating tension before, during and after the election. He also encouraged eligible voters to exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation.
“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 called on all contestants to allow voters to freely choose their preferred candidate, stressing that the outcome of the election should reflect the people’s decision.
“If they choose you, let your victory come through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected,” Davido added.
The award-winning musician also urged residents of Osun State not to succumb to intimidation, emphasizing that every vote should 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. 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,” he said.
Davido also appealed to the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.
He noted that while he had heard reports suggesting possible interference in the election, 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.
Davido further referenced his personal ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, while urging political stakeholders to allow democracy to prevail.
“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.
The singer concluded by calling on Osun residents to remain peaceful regardless of the election outcome, insisting that no political victory is worth bloodshed or destruction.
“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.
