Popular Nigerian singer David Adeleke, known as Davido, has said the conduct of youths during the 2026 Osun State governorship election gave Nigerians hope that free and fair elections were possible.
Davido spoke on Tuesday while addressing journalists at his country home in Ede, Osun State, after his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, was re-elected.
The singer thanked the people of Osun for supporting the governor’s re-election, saying voters demonstrated their commitment by defending their votes from the polling units through the local government collation centres.
‘Shout out to Osun youths, you guys didn’t really give hope to the people in Osun; you guys gave hope to the whole Nigeria because if this had gone the other way, I think Nigeria would have actually given up on what they call free and fair elections,’ he said.
Davido said Adeleke’s victory should serve as an example to public officials that good governance and service to the people could earn them electoral support.
‘My uncle, the Governor, should be an example to all other government officials out there. It means that if you work well for the people, the people will work well for you no matter what,’ he said.
He expressed optimism about the next four years of Adeleke’s administration, saying the state was already ‘thriving’ and that further development plans were being considered.
Davido, who is chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund, disclosed plans to complete the ongoing stadium project and establish a recreational centre for youths, with facilities for football, swimming, tennis, basketball and athletics.
According to him, the proposed centre would provide constructive activities for young people and help keep them away from crime and other social vices.
He also revealed plans to establish a concert centre in Osun, saying he hoped it would be ready before the governor’s inauguration in December.
On opportunities for entertainers in the state, Davido said he would organise a concert after the inauguration, with young Osun artistes expected to perform alongside him.
He said he might organise a competition to identify talented artistes for the event.
The singer said the initiatives could attract thousands of young people each month while giving them opportunities to develop their talents.
Davido, however, acknowledged the violence recorded in parts of the election, alleging that some of those involved were brought into the state from outside.
‘A lot of the violence came from the people they brought in,’ he alleged, adding that rehabilitation would be part of efforts to address challenges facing some youths.
He said some people engaged in negative activities because of their circumstances, stressing the need to provide them with opportunities to change.
Davido also called for unity and forgiveness following the bitterly contested election, admitting that forgiveness was difficult for him and his family after what they had experienced during the campaign and election period.
‘Forgiving for me is very hard, but it’s something we all have to do for the future of Osun,’ he said.
He also thanked the people of Osun for standing by the Adeleke family and supporting the governor’s return for another four-year term.