Uzodimma Fires Back at Davido, Says Adeleke Should Prepare for Life After Osun Election Defeat

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has responded sharply to Afrobeats superstar Davido over remarks concerning the upcoming Osun State governorship election, telling the singer to get ready to sign his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, as a dancer after the polls.

The exchange follows Davido’s comments during a press conference on Wednesday, where he appealed to an unnamed politician from Imo State to allow a free, fair and peaceful governorship election in Osun on August 15. Although the singer did not mention Uzodimma by name, he urged the politician not to interfere with the democratic process and to allow residents decide their next governor.

Reacting through a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Governor Uzodimma dismissed the appeal, insisting that Davido should direct his message to Osun voters rather than to him.

The governor also expressed confidence that Governor Ademola Adeleke would lose his re-election bid, arguing that many residents of the state had become dissatisfied with 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.

Uzodimma further claimed that public sentiment across Osun now favours the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that indications suggest many voters are seeking a change in leadership.

The Imo governor advised Davido to focus on supporting his uncle’s transition from office rather than making what he described as emotional appeals. He added that the singer should begin preparing for Adeleke’s post-government life.

In a stinging remark, Uzodimma said Davido could consider signing the Osun governor into his music team as a dancer if the election result goes against him.

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

The war of words comes just days before Osun voters head to the polls, with Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking another four-year term in what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched governorship elections.