The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has lauded Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for leveraging his global platform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to protest persistent insecurity and mass abductions in Nigeria.
In a statement shared via his official X handle late Sunday, Obi described the singer’s actions as an act of patriotism that transcended mere entertainment to demand crucial international scrutiny.
The musician appeared on stage for the FIFA World Cup countdown concert wearing a customised leather jacket decorated with buttons bearing the names of the pupils and teachers recently abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, along with a bold inscription on the back, “BRING THEM HOME.”
“Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation. He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return.
“By utilizing his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria’s security crisis, transcending mere entertainment”, Obi wrote.
The former Anambra State governor added that the state of insecurity across the federation merits urgent international scrutiny, especially given what he described as the government’s inability to address the situation.
Obi, who had earlier lamented the Super Eagles’ absence from the 2026 World Cup, maintained that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the tournament was not due to a shortage of raw sporting skills, noting how Nigerians are involved in the tournament through global music performances and by representing other countries on the field of play.
“Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, as I previously stated, stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development,” Obi asserted.
“This assertion is underscored by two notable occurrences during the tournament: the vibrant participation and impressive performances of Nigerian artists, and the presence of numerous Nigerians representing other nations on the field.
“These observations present a significant imperative for Nigeria’s political leaders to actively foster an environment in which the nation’s youth can fully realize their potential.”
Four of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, and Ayra Starr, are prominently featured on the star-studded official 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack album.
The cultural showcase kicked off in grand style when Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Colombian pop icon Shakira brought the Estadio Azteca to its feet on Thursday, performing as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially opened in Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s first match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Similarly, Nigerian sensational artist Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, reportedly delivered a standout moment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, joining BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Brazilian superstar Anitta for a live debut of their collaborative track, Goals.
The PUNCH