Afrobeats superstar Davido has publicly acknowledged his personal admiration for Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, even as the All Progressives Congress (APC) appointed the governor to lead its campaign for the upcoming Osun State governorship election. The singer's reaction came shortly after the APC named Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressive Governors' Forum, as head of its National Campaign Council for the Osun poll.
Davido's guarded response
Taking to social media, Davido expressed a mix of respect and resolve. “Chai, and I like Hope o. My wife’s state. Hmmm. No worry, we go meet for field,” he wrote. The comment hints at a personal connection to Imo State—Davido’s wife, Chioma, is from Imo—and suggests he may oppose the APC's choice in the election, despite his fondness for the governor. The statement has sparked widespread discussion among fans and political observers, given Davido's influence on youth and pop culture.
APC's strategic appointment
The APC’s decision to place Uzodimma at the helm of its Osun campaign underscores the party’s focus on leveraging experienced governors to secure victory. Uzodimma, a second-term governor and chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum, brings political weight and organizational experience. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Osun governorship election for Saturday, August 15, 2026, giving parties a tight timeline to mobilize supporters.
Political context and stakes
The Osun election is expected to be fiercely contested. The APC is seeking to reclaim the state from the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who defeated the APC in 2022. The appointment of Uzodimma is seen as a move to consolidate support from the South-East geopolitical zone and engage the sizable Igbo community in Osun. Davido’s reaction adds a celebrity dimension to the race, as he commands a massive following that could sway younger voters.
Davido's political engagements
This is not the first time Davido has waded into electoral politics. He and his uncle, Senator Ademola Adeleke (brother of Governor Adeleke), have been vocal supporters of the PDP. The singer’s wife, Chioma Rowland, is from Imo State, which explains his comment about Uzodimma being “her state’s governor.” His remark about meeting on the field signals a readiness to actively campaign or use his influence against the APC’s bid.
Election preparations intensify
With less than a month to the election, both parties are ramping up activities. The APC’s National Campaign Council will coordinate strategy, fundraising, and voter outreach across Osun’s 30 local government areas. The PDP, meanwhile, is banking on incumbency and the popularity of Governor Adeleke. Davido’s intervention could amplify the PDP’s messaging, especially among young and first-time voters who follow him on social media. Political analysts note that celebrity endorsements rarely decide elections but can energize grassroots support.
Davido's statement goes viral
Within hours of his post, Davido’s comment trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, generating thousands of reactions. Supporters praised his honesty, while critics argued celebrities should stay out of politics. The singer did not elaborate further, but his words have already added a layer of intrigue to the Osun election narrative. As August 15 approaches, all eyes will be on how both parties navigate the evolving political landscape in the state.
