VIDEO: Why I won’t run for political office — Davido

Afrobeats superstar Davido has firmly rejected the possibility of entering Nigerian politics, citing deep-seated systemic issues and the high stress of electoral processes. The musician, whose real name is David Adeleke, explained that his intense digital advocacy during his uncle Governor Ademola Adeleke's recent Osun State governorship election campaign has solidified his decision against a political career.

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With this system? I mean, my own vexing… no be me dey run, see as I dey tweet. I can’t even do this with this system, the high blood pressure that… How can you wake up in the morning knowing that the people want you, and you can get rigged out? It cannot happen anywhere else in the world.

Davido expressed frustration with Nigeria's electoral framework, stating that even with popular support, the risk of being "rigged out" is too high. "How can you wake up in the morning knowing that the people want you, and you can get rigged out? It cannot happen anywhere else in the world," he said during a News Central TV interview.

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I’m comfortable in my current… My job? Or why am I famous? Music, yeah. I defeated 17 governors with all their power, with all their immunity, with all their escort commander, with all their DSS, with all their billions. I defeated them with what? Just a phone,

He reaffirmed his dedication to his music career, asserting that while non-politicians can achieve global political success, his focus remains on music. Davido highlighted his ability to influence outcomes with just a phone, contrasting it with the power and resources of established politicians. "I defeated 17 governors with all their power, with all their immunity, with all their escort commander, with all their DSS, with all their billions. I defeated them with what? Just a phone," he stated.

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For now, I feel like I did what I had to do for the Osun people and for my family. The next day, a lot of people were tweeting at me, trying to rage-bait me. ‘Make sure you do this for the president.’ You can’t come and tell me what to do. You can’t force me to have a presidential candidate. Personally, I don’t want to be involved in it.

Addressing speculation following his uncle's re-election, Davido clarified that he would not be pressured into supporting any presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. He emphasized his independence, noting that while his uncle might maintain ties with the federal government for Osun State's benefit, this does not dictate his personal political stance. "You can’t come and tell me what to do. You can’t force me to have a presidential candidate. Personally, I don’t want to be involved in it," he said.

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My uncle might have his personal reasons for the gain of the state. I’m sure a governor being in good terms with the president… maybe more allocation. But that’s for the governor to decide. He’s been re-elected.