Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has moved to clarify his position regarding Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly called Davido, assuring the music star that their personal relationship remains strong despite their differing political interests ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Uzodimma acknowledged Davido’s concerns over the political atmosphere in Osun State but pointed out that the singer is not a registered voter in the state and, therefore, does not have the power to determine the outcome of the election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The governor made the clarification in a statement released on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku.
The statement was issued after Davido publicly appealed to Uzodimma to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace during the election and prevent the state from becoming a centre of political confrontation.
Davido had made the appeal while speaking at a youth mobilisation programme organised in support of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. The governor is seeking re-election under the platform of the Accord Party.
However, Uzodimma also rejected a statement attributed to Ambrose Nwogwugwu, who had criticised Davido’s intervention and described the singer’s appeal as an attempt at “emotional blackmail.”
According to Uzodimma, Nwogwugwu did not have his approval to respond to Davido and was not speaking on his behalf.
The governor explained that neither Nwogwugwu nor any other individual had been authorised to issue a response to Davido concerning his remarks about the forthcoming Osun election.
He consequently urged Davido, residents of Osun State and members of the public to disregard Nwogwugwu’s comments, stressing that they reflected the personal views of the aide and did not represent his position.
Uzodimma further stated that the comments should not be regarded as the official position of the APC National Campaign Council, which he leads.
The governor said he decided to make the clarification because there had been attempts to portray Nwogwugwu’s remarks as his official reaction to Davido’s appeal.
While acknowledging the political differences between them, Uzodimma maintained that such disagreements would not damage his personal relationship with the singer.
He specifically reaffirmed that Davido remains his son, making it clear that their bond extends beyond the political disagreements surrounding the Osun election.
Uzodimma also explained that his participation in the Osun governorship contest is driven by his commitment to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and his responsibility as chairman of the party’s National Campaign Council for the election.
He stressed that his political role should not be interpreted as a personal dispute with Davido or his family.
The clarification is expected to ease tensions surrounding the exchange between the governor and the singer as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 election.
Uzodimma’s statement ultimately separated his political responsibilities from his personal relationship with Davido, insisting that their political differences should not be mistaken for a breakdown in their relationship.
