Hope Uzodimma Fires Back at Davido Over Osun Election Remarks, Says ‘Prepare to Sign Your Uncle as a Dancer’

Hope Uzodimma Fires Back at Davido Over Osun Election Remarks, Says ‘Prepare to Sign Your Uncle as a Dancer’

Hope Uzodimma Responds to Davido Over Osun Election Comments Ahead of August 15 Poll

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has replied to Afrobeats star Davido over his comments on the Osun governorship election, urging the singer to prepare his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for life after politics.

Hope Uzodimma Responds to Davido Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

A fresh political exchange has emerged ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma responded to remarks made by Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

The response followed comments by Davido during a press conference where the award-winning singer appealed to an unnamed politician from Imo State to ensure that the forthcoming Osun governorship election remains free, fair, and peaceful. Although the musician did not directly mention Governor Hope Uzodimma, many interpreted the statement as being directed at the Imo governor.

Uzodimma, however, dismissed the appeal and advised Davido to focus on encouraging eligible voters in Osun State rather than addressing him. The governor also expressed confidence that Osun voters would choose a new administration at the polls, predicting defeat for the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.

Davido Calls for a Free and Fair Election

During his interaction with journalists, Davido appealed for peace before the governorship election, urging political actors to allow residents of Osun State to freely decide who governs them.

The singer said he had heard reports suggesting there could be attempts to influence the outcome of the election and therefore appealed for fairness and respect for the democratic process.

Davido, who has consistently supported his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been actively involved in previous political campaigns in Osun State and remains one of the governor's most vocal supporters.

His latest comments quickly generated discussions across social media platforms, with supporters and critics debating the role celebrities should play in Nigerian politics.

Hope Uzodimma's Strong Response

Reacting through a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Governor Hope Uzodimma rejected Davido's comments.

According to the statement, the Imo governor maintained that Davido should direct his message to the electorate instead of appealing to him.

The statement argued that the decision on who becomes governor rests entirely with Osun voters and not with external political figures.

Uzodimma further claimed that many residents of Osun State have become dissatisfied with Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration and are ready to vote for a different candidate during the election.

Uzodimma Predicts Adeleke's Defeat

The governor's statement expressed confidence that the ruling party's candidate would emerge victorious.

According to the statement, the political mood across Osun State suggests that voters are seeking change.

It stated that, in the governor's opinion, Governor Ademola Adeleke has not met the expectations of many residents, leading to growing support for the opposition.

The statement argued that the electorate would determine the outcome through the ballot box.

Political observers, however, note that election outcomes ultimately depend on voter turnout, campaign strength, and the credibility of the electoral process.

'Prepare to Sign Your Uncle as a Dancer'

One of the most talked-about sections of Uzodimma's response was his remark directed at Davido regarding Governor Adeleke.

The statement suggested that Davido should begin preparing his uncle for life outside politics if he loses the election.

It further joked that the singer might need to officially sign Governor Adeleke as a dancer in his music team after the governorship election.

The comment quickly attracted widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating whether such political exchanges help strengthen democratic conversations or simply increase tensions during election periods.

Growing Political Tension Before the Election

The exchange between Davido and Governor Uzodimma comes just days before one of Nigeria's most closely watched off-cycle governorship elections.

Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking a second term in office, while opposition parties are working to unseat the incumbent administration.

Political campaigns have intensified across the state, with candidates making final appeals to voters before election day.

Election observers have repeatedly emphasized the importance of peaceful conduct, urging political parties, supporters, security agencies, and electoral officials to ensure that the voting process remains credible and transparent.

Celebrity Influence in Nigerian Politics

Davido's involvement highlights the growing influence of celebrities in Nigeria's political landscape.

In recent years, musicians, actors, comedians, and other public figures have increasingly participated in political campaigns, encouraging voter participation and publicly supporting candidates.

Supporters argue that celebrities help engage younger voters and increase public awareness of elections.

Critics, however, believe entertainers should avoid statements that could heighten political tension, especially during sensitive election periods.

Regardless of differing opinions, celebrity endorsements continue to shape political conversations both online and offline.

Why the Osun Governorship Election Matters

The Osun governorship election is regarded as one of Nigeria's most significant off-season elections.

Beyond determining who governs the state for another four years, political analysts believe the outcome could influence party strategies ahead of future national elections.

Major political parties have invested considerable resources in campaigns, while supporters remain optimistic about their respective candidates.

The election is also expected to serve as another test of Nigeria's democratic institutions and electoral management.

Public Reactions Continue Online

Following the exchange between Davido and Governor Uzodimma, social media platforms witnessed thousands of comments from Nigerians expressing different opinions.

Some users supported Davido's call for peaceful elections and argued that every Nigerian has the right to advocate for electoral transparency.

Others defended Governor Uzodimma's response, insisting that voters—not celebrities or politicians from other states—will ultimately determine the outcome of the election.

As campaigning enters its final phase, political discussions are expected to remain intense across television, radio, newspapers, and digital platforms.

Focus Remains on the Ballot

Despite the political rhetoric, analysts continue to stress that the credibility of the election will depend on the conduct of all stakeholders.

Civil society organizations have urged political parties to avoid inflammatory language and instead focus on presenting policies that address the needs of Osun residents.

Security agencies have also been encouraged to maintain professionalism while ensuring peace before, during, and after voting.

Ultimately, the decision will rest with registered voters, who are expected to determine the next chapter of Osun State's political future through the ballot box.

The latest exchange between Governor Hope Uzodimma and Afrobeats star Davido has added another dramatic dimension to the build-up to the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

While Davido has called for a peaceful and credible electoral process, Uzodimma has dismissed the singer's appeal, predicting that Governor Ademola Adeleke will lose his re-election bid. His remark suggesting Davido should prepare to "sign his uncle as a dancer" has further fueled public debate.

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, attention is now shifting from political exchanges to the election itself. Nigerians and election observers alike will be watching closely to see whether the process is peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the will of the people.

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