Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has called on all candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election to respect the will of the people and ensure the poll remains peaceful.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the singer, who is the nephew of Governor Ademola Adeleke, urged politicians to place the interest of the state above political ambition.
Davido stressed that no election is worth the loss of lives or the destruction of property, appealing to candidates, political parties and their supporters to allow voters freely choose their preferred candidate.
“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 further urged political actors to accept the outcome of the election if it reflects the genuine choice of the electorate.
“If they choose you, let your victory come through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected,” Davido added.
The singer also encouraged eligible voters to come out without fear and exercise their civic rights, insisting that every vote must count.
“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.
Davido also appealed to the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to use his influence to promote peaceful and credible elections.
While referencing reports of possible interference in the election, the singer clarified that he was not presenting the allegations as established facts.
“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 noted his personal connection to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, and urged that democracy should be allowed to take its course.
He concluded by calling on residents to maintain peace regardless of the election outcome.
“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,” he said.
