Uzodimma Tells Davido to Prepare Adeleke for Life After Office, Says He Can Join His Music Band

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has fired back at Afrobeats star Davido over the singer’s recent comments on the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, telling him to prepare Governor Ademola Adeleke for life after office because he believes the incumbent governor is headed for defeat.

The exchange follows Davido’s public appeal urging an unnamed politician from Imo State to allow Osun residents conduct a free and fair election without external interference. Davido, who has actively campaigned for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, warned against any attempt to influence the August 15 governorship poll.

Responding through his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Governor Uzodimma dismissed Davido’s appeal, saying it was misplaced.

According to the governor’s aide, Davido appeared to have directed his comments at Uzodimma because he chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum and his wife is from Imo State.

“It is rather pedestrian for Davido to direct such an appeal to the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum simply because his wife is from Imo State,” the statement said.

Uzodimma insisted that the election would ultimately be decided by the people of Osun State, not by politicians from outside the state.

“His appeal should instead be directed to the people of Osun State, who will ultimately decide the election’s outcome through their votes,” the statement added.

The governor reaffirmed his support for a peaceful, transparent and credible election, stating that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would continue mobilising support for its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

He also criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging that it had failed to meet the expectations of many residents.

According to Uzodimma, growing dissatisfaction among voters suggests that many are prepared to vote for a new government.

“The signals emerging from across Osun State are clear. There is a growing indication that a significant number of voters have rejected the current administration and are prepared to embrace a new direction,” he said.

In one of the strongest remarks contained in the statement, Uzodimma advised Davido to begin planning for his uncle’s future after the election rather than making what he described as emotional appeals.

“Rather than attempting to influence Governor Hope Uzodimma through emotional appeals, Davido should concentrate on helping his uncle prepare for life after office.”

The statement ended with a sarcastic remark suggesting Adeleke could pursue a career in entertainment if he loses the election.

“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 comments have intensified the political exchanges ahead of the Osun governorship election, where Governor Adeleke is seeking another term in office against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.

Davido has remained one of the most visible campaigners for the incumbent governor, frequently using his social media platforms to rally support while calling for a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process.

Political observers expect campaigns to become even more heated in the days leading up to the August 15 poll.