Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has dismissed remarks made by Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, regarding the upcoming Osun State governorship election, advising the musician to recruit his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, as a dancer once the election concludes.
The exchange unfolds amidst rising political tensions ahead of the 15 August 2026 poll, where Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election for a second term in office.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Davido appealed to an unnamed politician from Imo State to guarantee a peaceful, unhindered election in Osun following alleged reports of planned political interference. Although the singer refrained from naming Uzodimma directly, he urged the politician to respect the democratic process and allow Osun voters to choose their leader without outside influence.
Responding on Thursday through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma stated that the singer should direct his pleas to Osun voters rather than him. Forecasting electoral defeat for the incumbent governor, Uzodimma asserted that the public has turned against the current administration.
Summarising the political sentiment across the state, the statement noted: “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.”
The Imo State governor urged Davido to focus on preparing his uncle for life outside government, predicting a strong electoral victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Concluding with a direct poke at both the singer and the governor, the statement added:
“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.”