Uzodimma dismisses Davido’s appeal, predicts APC victory in Osun

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has dismissed comments by Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, telling the singer to prepare his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for life after office.

Davido had, during a press conference on Wednesday, appealed to an unnamed politician from Imo State to ensure a free and fair election in Osun, saying he had heard rumours of plans to interfere in the August 15 governorship poll. Although he did not mention Uzodimma by name, he urged the politician to promote peace and allow Osun people to freely choose their governor.

Responding in a statement issued on Thursday by his senior special assistant on electronic and creative media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma said Davido should direct his appeal to Osun voters rather than to him.

The Imo governor also predicted defeat for Governor Adeleke in the election, claiming that many residents of the state had lost confidence in the administration.

“The reality is that Governor Ademola Adeleke has, in the opinion of many, failed woefully in the discharge of his responsibilities. The signals emerging from across Osun State are clear. A significant number of voters are prepared to embrace a new direction,” the statement said.

Uzodimma advised Davido to focus on supporting his uncle ahead of the election instead of making what he described as emotional appeals to him.

He added that the singer should begin preparing Adeleke for life after office, insisting that the people of Osun were ready to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

Taking a swipe at the governor and the singer, Uzodimma said Davido might also consider signing his uncle as a dancer after the election, claiming the political mood in Osun suggested Adeleke could lose his bid for a second term.