Peter Obi commends Davido’s gesture at 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has lauded Afropop star Davido for drawing global attention to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges during the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, Obi described the singer’s action as one that transcended entertainment and brought international attention to pressing national issues.
“Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation. He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return,” Obi said.
“By utilising his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria’s security crisis, transcending mere entertainment. He appeared in a custom black leather jacket emblazoned with the message ‘BRING THEM HOME,’ accented with green buttons bearing the names of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers recently abducted by bandits in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State”.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future despite what he described as the government’s inability to effectively address the security situation.
Obi also reiterated that the absence of the Nigeria national football team from the 2026 FIFA World Cup was not due to a lack of talent but rather a deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development.
He, however, noted that Nigeria’s presence was still felt at the tournament through global music performances and the contributions of players of Nigerian descent representing other countries.
Based on these observations, Obi called on political leaders to create an enabling environment that would allow Nigerian youths to fully realise their potential.
