Uzodinma Hits Back at Davido: "Prepare to Sign Your Uncle as Dancer After Osun Poll"

The political war of words ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election has intensified, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma hitting back at Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over the singer's comments on the forthcoming poll.

Uzodimma, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Osun governorship election, dismissed Davido's appeal urging politicians from outside the state to stay away from the electoral process.

In a strongly worded statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, the governor said Davido should focus on preparing his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for life after office rather than directing emotional appeals at him.

According to Uzodimma, the people of Osun State—not celebrities or political influencers—will determine who emerges victorious at the polls.

"Instead of trying 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 vote massively for the APC candidate," the statement said.

Taking a swipe at the award-winning musician, the governor added that Davido might soon have to give his uncle a new career.

"Perhaps, Davido should also begin making arrangements to officially sign his uncle as a dancer in his musical band because, judging by the mood of the electorate, he may soon be out of a political job after the August 15, 2026, governorship election," the statement added.

The exchange followed remarks by Davido during a campaign rally for Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election bid. The singer, who is leading youth mobilisation for the governor's campaign, cautioned against alleged interference by politicians from outside Osun State.

Although he did not mention Uzodimma by name, Davido alleged that a politician from Imo State was planning to influence the election and urged such individuals to allow Osun voters freely decide their next governor.

Responding, Uzodimma described Davido's comments as "pedestrian," insisting that any appeal should be directed to the people of Osun State, who alone possess the constitutional right to determine the election's outcome.

The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful, free and credible election, stressing that the APC would continue to campaign across the state for its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

He maintained that the party's strategy was to persuade voters through lawful campaigns rather than relying on celebrity endorsements or emotional rhetoric.

Uzodimma further claimed that many residents of Osun State had become dissatisfied with Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration and were prepared to vote for a change.

According to him, "the signals emerging from across Osun State indicate that a significant number of voters have rejected the current administration and are ready to embrace a new direction."

Meanwhile, the Adeleke Campaign Organisation has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, alleging that several of its supporters were arrested and detained by security operatives ahead of the election.

The campaign also condemned the freezing of bank accounts linked to the Osun State Government, arguing that the action could disrupt governance and create an atmosphere of intimidation in the lead-up to the governorship election.