Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has fired back at Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over his comments on the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, telling the singer to prepare to sign his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, as a dancer after the poll.
Davido, during a press conference on Wednesday, had appealed to an unnamed politician from Imo State to allow a free and fair election in Osun, alleging there were plans to interfere in the August 15 governorship election. Although he did not mention Uzodimma by name, the singer urged the politician to promote peace and allow Osun residents to freely choose their next governor.
Responding in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma dismissed the appeal, insisting Davido should direct his message to Osun voters instead.
The governor maintained that Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term, would be voted out of office, claiming the electorate had lost confidence in his administration.
“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 statement said.
According to Uzodimma, indications across the state suggest that many voters are prepared to embrace a new direction and back the APC candidate.
He further advised Davido to focus on helping his uncle prepare for life after office rather than making what he described as emotional appeals.
“Rather than attempting to influence Governor Hope Uzodimma through emotional appeals, Davido should concentrate on helping his uncle prepare for life after office, as the people of Osun appear ready to cast their votes massively in favour of the APC candidate,” the statement added.
In a parting swipe, the governor said Davido should “begin making preparations to officially sign his uncle as a dancer in his musical band,” arguing that the Osun governor could soon be out of office after the August 15 election.
The exchange comes just days before the Osun governorship election, where Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election amid a heated contest.