Afrobeat star David Adedeji, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the 276-member All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the August 15 governorship election, to use his influence to ensure peace and allow the people of Osun State to freely choose their next governor.
Davido, who serves as chairman of the Imole Youth Campaign Mobilisation Team, made the appeal on Wednesday while addressing reporters at the Accord Party Campaign Office in Ogo-Oluwa. He said he had heard rumours suggesting plans to interfere in the Osun governorship election or turn the state into a political battleground.
He urged Uzodimma to prioritise peace and safeguard democracy.
‘To our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect. I have heard rumours suggesting moves to interfere in the Osun election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidate freely,’ he said.
Davido added that his appeal was personal, noting his strong connection to Imo State through his wife, Chioma.
‘We have mutual connections, and I have a deep personal bond with Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal even more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful, allow democracy to take its course, and let the people decide,’ he said.
The Afrobeat star also appealed to residents of Osun, particularly young people, to shun violence and participate peacefully in the election.
‘I understand the tension and emotions surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm. No political ambition, disagreement, or election is worth the life of an Osun son or daughter. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation, and destruction,’ he said.
He encouraged eligible voters not to be intimidated but to exercise their civic responsibility, stressing that ‘your vote is your voice, and your choice must be respected.’
Davido further called on all governorship candidates, their supporters, and political parties to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the election.
‘If they choose you, let the victory be through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected. Politics is temporary, but Osun will remain. No political victory is worth violence, destruction, or the loss of a single life,’ he stated.