Osun poll: Davido urges peaceful election, asks voters to reject violence
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Afrobeats star Davido urged residents of Osun State to reject violence and intimidation ahead of the governorship election.
- He expressed strong support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, calling him one of the state's best leaders.
- Davido appealed to political leaders to ensure peace and allow the people of Osun to freely choose their candidates, emphasizing the importance of respecting the electorate's will.
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has issued a strong appeal to the residents of Osun State, urging them to shun violence and intimidation as the state approaches its governorship election. Speaking at a youth mobilization event in support of the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the singer emphasized the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process.
Weโre all here for one reason. Itโs for the Executive Governor of Osun State, the only Chief Security Officer of Osun State. One of the best, if not the best, governor to ever have ruled this state. We have our projects to show for it. We have our integrity to show for it, and we have our diligence to show for it.
Davido lauded Governor Adeleke, describing him as "one of the best, if not the best, governor to ever have ruled this state." He pointed to the governor's achievements and integrity as reasons for confidence in securing another term. Addressing the public not just as an entertainer but as a "voice for our people," Davido acknowledged the existing tension surrounding the election but implored everyone to remain calm.
I speak to you today, not just as Davido, but as one of your own, as a voice for our people. I understand the tension and emotion surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm.
Expressing confidence in their electoral prospects, Davido stated, "We've won this thing twice before. No shaking. We've won it twice before and we're going to win it again for the third time, by the grace of God." He reiterated his call for voters to reject violence, intimidation, and destruction, encouraging them to exercise their right to vote without fear.
Weโve won this thing twice before. No shaking. Weโve won it twice before and weโre going to win it again for the third time, by the grace of God.
Furthermore, Davido appealed directly to political leaders, urging them to promote peace and allow the citizens of Osun to make their choices freely. He referenced rumors of potential interference and cautioned against using the state as a "political battleground." Drawing on his personal connection to Imo State through his wife, he emphasized the sincerity of his plea for peace, concluding by urging all stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election and prioritize the future of Osun people over political ambition.
Let us reject violence. Iโll say it again. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and, most importantly, destruction. To every person in Osun, come out and exercise your right to vote. Do not be afraid or intimidated. Your vote is your voice and your choice must be respected.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.