Osun 2026: Davido Calls For Peace, Respect For People’s Mandate

Afrobeats star and Chairman of the Imole Youth Campaign Mobilization Team, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to political actors and residents of Osun State to embrace peace before, during and after the August 15 governorship election, insisting that no political ambition is worth the loss of lives.

Davido made the appeal on Tuesday during a press conference in Osogbo.

Addressing journalists, the singer said he was speaking not as a celebrity but as an indigene of Osun concerned about the future of the state.

“My people of Osun State, especially our young people, I speak to you today not just as Davido, but as one of your own and as a voice for our people,” he said.

Acknowledging the heightened political atmosphere ahead of the election, Davido urged political parties and their supporters to shun violence and allow voters to freely decide the outcome of the poll.

“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 to participate in the election without fear, saying, “Your vote is your voice and your choice must be respected. Let us show the world that Osun people are peaceful, courageous and determined to build a better future for the state.”

Davido also appealed to political leaders and contestants to place the interest of the state above personal ambition.

“Dear contestants in the Osun State, this is your opportunity to contest for the governorship, but political opportunities come and go. Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk,” he said.

He added that whoever emerges victorious should do so through the will of the people.

“If they choose you, let the victory be through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected.”

In a message directed at an unnamed political figure from Imo State, Davido said he had heard rumours of attempts to interfere in the Osun election but stressed that he was not presenting the claims as established facts.

“To our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect. I have heard rumours suggesting that there are 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.

He noted his personal ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, saying the connection made his appeal more sincere.

“We have mutual connections, and I have a deep personal connection to 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.”

Davido reiterated that politics should never come before human lives.

“Politics is temporary, but Osun will remain. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life.”

He concluded by urging residents to vote peacefully and reject intimidation.

“To everyone in Osun, please come out, vote peacefully, reject intimidation and let your voice be heard. Osun is ours, the future is ours and let peace lead the way.”

The afrobeats star also received an award from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter, in recognition of his contributions to youth development and peace advocacy.

While presenting the award, the NYCN Olakokupo Oluwasegun said, “we are presenting this award for you representing us well as a Youth Ambassador”.