Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has responded to Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over allegations that an unnamed politician from Imo State was planning to influence the outcome of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Davido, who is leading the youth mobilisation campaign for the re-election of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, had earlier urged the unnamed politician to allow the election to be conducted peacefully and without interference.
Although the singer did not mention anyone by name, he alleged that the individual intended to use the election as a political battleground to demonstrate his influence.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Governor Uzodimma, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Osun governorship election, said Davido’s appeal was misdirected.
According to the governor, the outcome of the election rests with the people of Osun State and not with him.
“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 will ultimately decide the election’s outcome through their votes,” the statement read.
Uzodimma maintained that he has consistently advocated peaceful, free and credible elections and remains committed to ensuring a transparent electoral process.
“The governor of Imo State, who also serves as the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the Osun State governorship election, has consistently preached peace and reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful, free and credible election,” the statement added.
The governor said the APC would continue to canvass support for its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, by engaging directly with voters across the state.
Beyond responding to Davido’s comments, Uzodimma criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, alleging that it had failed to meet the expectations of the people of Osun State.
He claimed that growing dissatisfaction among residents would translate into victory for the APC at the polls.
“The reality is that Governor Ademola Adeleke has, in the opinion of many, failed woefully in the discharge of his responsibilities.
“This is why many Osun voters are determined to vote him out in the August 15, 2026 governorship election,” he said.
The governor further asserted that reports from across the state indicated that many voters were seeking a change in leadership, although he did not provide polling data or other evidence to support the claim.
“The signals emerging from across Osun State are clear. There is a growing indication that a significant number of voters have rejected the current administration and are prepared to embrace a new direction,” he added.
Uzodimma also advised Davido to focus on supporting his uncle outside politics rather than making what he described as emotional appeals.
“Rather than attempting to influence Governor Hope Uzodimma through emotional appeals, Davido should concentrate on helping his uncle prepare for life after office, as the people of Osun appear ready to cast their votes massively in favour of the APC candidate,” he said.
In a further jab at the Osun governor, Uzodimma referenced Adeleke’s passion for dancing, suggesting that Davido could offer him a place in his music group if he loses the election.
“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 statement added.