Uzodimma Clarifies Position After Davido’s Election Appeal
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has responded to an appeal from Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, stressing that although he is involved in the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign, he is not an electorate in the state.
The governor also rejected comments attributed to Ambrose Nwogwugwu, who had described Davido’s intervention as “emotional blackmail,” saying the remarks were neither authorised by him nor made on his behalf.
Uzodimma’s clarification adds another dimension to the political conversation surrounding the August 15 Osun governorship election, particularly as political parties intensify their activities ahead of the poll.
Key Facts
- Hope Uzodimma says he is not a voter in the Osun governorship election.
- The governor says Davido remains his “son” despite the singer’s public appeal concerning the election.
- Uzodimma says his presence in Osun is connected to his responsibilities as an APC leader and campaign official.
- He denies authorising Ambrose Nwogwugwu to respond to Davido on his behalf.
- The governor says Nwogwugwu’s remarks represent his personal position rather than Uzodimma’s position or that of the APC campaign council.
- Uzodimma maintains that the APC remains committed to a peaceful, credible, free and fair election.
Governor Distances Himself From ‘Emotional Blackmail’ Comment
The controversy followed Davido’s public appeal to Uzodimma concerning the conduct of the Osun election.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, Uzodimma did not authorise Nwogwugwu—or any other person—to issue a response to the musician on his behalf.
The clarification followed comments in which Nwogwugwu characterised Davido’s appeal as “emotional blackmail.”
Uzodimma’s camp rejected that description as representing the governor’s position and urged the public to treat the remarks as Nwogwugwu’s personal opinion.
The governor said the clarification became necessary after attempts were made to present those remarks as his official response to Davido.
‘Davido Remains My Son’
Rather than treating Davido’s appeal as a confrontation, Uzodimma maintained a conciliatory position toward the singer.
The governor said Davido remained his “son,” while explaining that his involvement in the Osun political process was tied to his responsibilities within the APC rather than any personal voting interest in the state.
Uzodimma serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum as well as Chairman of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council.
In those capacities, he is supporting the APC governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the election.
The governor stressed that his political involvement should therefore be understood within the context of party campaigning.
He maintained that political leaders routinely travel outside their home states to mobilise support for candidates representing their political parties during elections.
Uzodimma consequently drew a distinction between campaign participation and voting, noting that while he could campaign for the APC candidate in Osun, the decision on who becomes governor ultimately rests with eligible voters participating in the election.
Why Davido Reached Out to Uzodimma
The exchange began after Davido publicly appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to encourage a peaceful and transparent governorship election in Osun State.
In his message, the award-winning musician addressed the Imo governor as his “daddy from Imo State” and urged him to use his influence to ensure that residents of Osun could vote freely and decide the outcome of the election without interference.
Davido explained that his comments were prompted by reports circulating ahead of the poll suggesting there could be attempts to influence the electoral process.
However, he was careful to note that he was not presenting those reports as established facts. Instead, he described his intervention as an appeal for vigilance and peaceful democratic conduct.
Family Connection Adds Public Interest
Davido’s appeal attracted additional public attention because of his family ties to both Imo and Osun States.
His wife, Chioma Adeleke, hails from Imo State, while his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election as the governor of Osun State.
Those relationships placed the singer at the centre of discussions surrounding the forthcoming election, although his statement focused on the need for a credible voting process rather than support for any allegation of electoral misconduct.
Uzodimma Explains His Presence in Osun
Responding to the appeal, Uzodimma said there should be no misunderstanding about why he is participating in political activities ahead of the election.
The governor explained that his assignment in Osun is directly connected to his responsibilities within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he currently chairs both the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the party’s Osun State Governorship Campaign Council.
According to him, his role is to mobilise political support for the APC governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and not to interfere with the voting process.
He maintained that campaigning for a political party is a legitimate democratic activity that should not be confused with participation in the actual voting exercise.
‘I Will Not Be Voting in Osun’
Uzodimma stressed that he is not an eligible voter in Osun State and therefore has no role in deciding the outcome of the election at the ballot box.
The governor said the responsibility for choosing the next governor belongs entirely to registered voters in Osun, adding that political campaign activities and the conduct of the election itself remain separate issues.
He reiterated that his presence in the state should be viewed strictly within the framework of party mobilisation ahead of the poll.
APC Campaign Role, Not Electoral Authority
The governor further explained that his campaign responsibilities do not extend beyond promoting the APC candidate during the election period.
He said it is common practice in Nigeria’s democratic system for senior political leaders to travel across state boundaries to campaign for candidates representing their political parties.
According to Uzodimma, such activities are a normal feature of electioneering and should not be interpreted as an attempt to influence the electoral process or interfere with the responsibilities of election officials.
He maintained that his assignment remains political rather than administrative, emphasising that the conduct of the election rests with the appropriate institutions responsible for managing the electoral process.
Governor Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Elections
Beyond distancing himself from the remarks attributed to Ambrose Nwogwugwu, Governor Hope Uzodimma used his statement to reaffirm the All Progressives Congress’ commitment to a peaceful electoral process in Osun State.
He said the party supports elections that are peaceful, credible, free and fair, adding that encouraging citizens to vote for the APC governorship candidate is a legitimate aspect of democratic political campaigning.
According to the governor, there is nothing inconsistent between campaigning vigorously for a political party and respecting the right of voters to make their own decisions at the ballot box.
Clarification Intended to Set the Record Straight
Uzodimma said his statement became necessary after attempts were made to portray Nwogwugwu’s remarks as his official position.
He maintained that only statements issued by him or those authorised through the appropriate channels should be regarded as reflecting his views.
The governor therefore appealed to Davido, residents of Osun State and the wider public to disregard comments suggesting that Nwogwugwu was speaking on his behalf.
He reiterated that his respect for the singer remains unchanged despite the public exchange.
Why This Matters
Although the disagreement drew widespread attention because it involved one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, the broader political issue centres on public confidence in the integrity of the upcoming Osun governorship election.
By publicly clarifying that he neither authorised the controversial remarks nor intends to play any role beyond political campaigning, Uzodimma sought to distinguish party mobilisation from the conduct of the election itself.
The exchange also highlights how political discussions increasingly extend beyond elected officials, with influential public figures such as entertainers becoming active participants in conversations about governance, elections and democratic accountability.
What Happens Next?
Attention now shifts to the August 15 Osun governorship election, where eligible voters will determine who governs the state for the next term.
Political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns in the days leading to the poll, while electoral authorities continue preparations for the exercise.
As election day approaches, stakeholders are likely to maintain calls for peaceful participation, respect for democratic processes and acceptance of the outcome in accordance with the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Davido appeal to Governor Hope Uzodimma?
Davido appealed to the Imo State governor to use his influence to encourage a peaceful governorship election in Osun, saying his concern was based on reports of possible interference, although he did not present those reports as confirmed facts.
Why is Uzodimma involved in the Osun election?
According to the governor, he is participating as Chairman of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council and as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum to campaign for the APC candidate, not as a voter.
Did Uzodimma support the comments made by Ambrose Nwogwugwu?
No. Uzodimma stated that Nwogwugwu was not authorised to speak on his behalf and described the remarks as the individual’s personal opinion.
Will Governor Uzodimma vote in the Osun election?
No. The governor said he is not a registered voter in Osun State and therefore will not participate in the election as an electorate.
The Bigger Picture
The public exchange between Davido and Governor Hope Uzodimma underscores the heightened attention surrounding the Osun governorship election, where campaign activities, public commentary and official clarifications continue to shape political discourse ahead of voting day.
While the singer called for an electoral process free from interference, the governor insisted that his involvement remains strictly within the limits of democratic political campaigning and that the final decision rests entirely with the people of Osun State.
As the election approaches, the focus is expected to remain on ensuring a peaceful contest in which voters are able to freely determine the state’s next governor.
What do you think?
Do you agree that prominent public figures like Davido should speak out on electoral issues, or should such appeals be left to political stakeholders and election observers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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