Amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, Nigerian singer David “Davido” Adeleke has issued a direct challenge to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The “Unavailable” hitmaker’s uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election under the Accord Party (AP) in the August poll. Davido urged the APC to allow voters, rather than political scheming, to determine the election outcome.
The singer made the remarks on his X page on Thursday in reaction to the shooting and hospitalisation of Asimiyu “Baba Isila” Isila, Chairman of Osogbo Local Government. According to a screenshot shared by Davido, gunmen attacked Baba Isila, a member of the Accord Party, and his associates on Wednesday night, leaving them injured. Medical personnel rushed them to hospital for treatment.
“Ballot Papers, Not Weapons”
Reacting to the incident, Davido urged the APC to avoid contributing to Nigeria’s growing insecurity. He wrote: “Regardless of our political differences, everyone must make sure they are not contributing to insecurity in our nation. The attack on the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area by political hoodlums must be condemned and rejected by all. If APC is sure they are popular, let’s settle this with ballot papers, not guns or weapons.”
Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Governor Adeleke appointed Davido as Head of Youth Mobilisation for his re-election campaign. Confirming the appointment, Davido said he looked forward to working with his team to ensure a smooth and successful campaign. The 33-year-old also declared his involvement in his uncle’s re-election bid and obtained the party’s membership card in Osun State.
The upcoming election will test Governor Adeleke’s popularity; he was elected in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Davido played a prominent role in the 2022 campaign that brought his uncle to power. His renewed involvement appears aimed at consolidating youth support and leveraging celebrity influence ahead of the closely watched election.
Consistent Support
Davido has consistently supported Mr. Adeleke’s political ambitions since his PDP days. In 2022, he actively campaigned both physically and online, criticising alleged electoral malpractice. He used his X page to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the late President Muhammadu Buhari not to interfere with the poll’s outcome.
Reactions
Davido’s accusation against the APC over alleged involvement in the attack sparked widespread reactions among Nigerians. Many social media users commented on the issue, with some pointing to internal party crises and others questioning the state government’s security responsibilities. One user noted, “Violence has no place in a democracy. Political parties should win the people’s trust through ideas and performance, not intimidation or attacks.” Another remarked, “APC and ‘free and fair elections’ cannot survive in the same sentence.”
Some critics suggested the attack might be linked to internal Accord Party disputes, while others defended Davido’s call for peaceful elections. The incident has intensified debate over political violence in Nigeria as the Osun election approaches.
