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Davido Raises Alarm Over Osun Poll, Says He Could Turn to Trump if Election Is Rigged

Afrobeats star Davido has sparked fresh controversy ahead of the Osun governorship election after saying he could reach out to US President Donald Trump if he believes the election is not free and fair. The singer, who is supporting his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has called for the will of Osun voters to be respected.

Talk Ya True Editorial TeamIndependent African Newsroom
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Davido speaking about the Osun governorship election and calling for a free and fair electoral process.
Image credit: Talk Ya True Graphic

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has injected fresh drama into the build-up to the Osun State governorship election after warning that he could involve United States President Donald Trump if he believes the election is manipulated.

The singer made the comments while speaking about the upcoming poll and his support for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office.

Davido's remarks have quickly become a major talking point online, with Nigerians debating whether an international figure such as Trump should become involved in a Nigerian state election.

Davido Demands a Free and Fair Election

At the centre of Davido's comments was a call for the Osun election to be conducted fairly.

The singer warned that nobody should attempt to manipulate the will of voters and suggested that he would take the matter beyond Nigeria if he believed the electoral process had been compromised.

His comments were particularly striking because of his reference to Trump, who is currently serving as president of the United States.

Reports quoting Davido say he threatened to involve Trump if anything went wrong with the election.

Why Is Davido So Invested in Osun?

Davido's interest in the election is deeply personal.

Governor Ademola Adeleke is his uncle, making the Osun governorship contest a family as well as a political matter for the singer.

Davido has previously been vocal about his support for Adeleke and has repeatedly defended his uncle against political criticism.

His latest intervention therefore comes as no surprise to those who have followed the singer's involvement in Osun politics.

However, the reference to Trump has elevated the conversation beyond the usual celebrity endorsement.

Trump Enters the Nigerian Political Conversation

Davido's mention of Donald Trump immediately generated reactions across social media.

Supporters of the singer argue that his statement should be understood as a warning against electoral manipulation rather than a literal request for foreign intervention.

Critics, however, questioned why a Nigerian state election would require the involvement of the American president.

The debate has also raised questions about the influence celebrities can have on political conversations, particularly when they have large international audiences.

Osun Election Already Highly Contested

The Osun governorship election is expected to be closely watched as incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeks another term.

The political contest has attracted significant attention from the major parties, with the APC fielding Bola Oyebamiji and other political forces also seeking to challenge the incumbent.

The election is scheduled for August 15, 2026.

With the contest approaching, accusations and counter-accusations over the integrity of the electoral process are likely to intensify.

Davido's Political Influence

Davido has gradually become more outspoken about Nigerian politics.

Although he is primarily known as an Afrobeats superstar, his enormous following means that his political statements can quickly reach millions of people.

His involvement in Osun politics is also different from a typical celebrity endorsement because of his family's direct connection to the state's political leadership.

That combination of celebrity influence and family ties has made Davido one of the most visible personalities campaigning around the election.

Supporters Defend the Singer

Davido's supporters say his demand for a free and fair election should not be dismissed simply because he is an entertainer.

They argue that every Nigerian has the right to demand electoral transparency and that public figures can use their platforms to draw attention to concerns about democracy.

Some supporters also believe his warning reflects the growing importance of international attention when allegations of electoral malpractice arise.

Critics Question the Trump Threat

Opponents have taken a different view.

They argue that invoking Trump in connection with an Osun governorship election is excessive and could create the impression that Nigeria's democratic institutions are incapable of handling their own electoral disputes.

Others have questioned whether the American president would have any role to play in determining the outcome of a Nigerian state election.

For now, Davido's comments remain a political statement rather than evidence that Trump has been contacted or intends to intervene.

The Bigger Issue: Can Osun Deliver a Credible Election?

Behind the controversy surrounding Davido's comments is a more important question: will voters in Osun be allowed to freely determine their next governor?

The credibility of the election will ultimately depend on the conduct of the electoral authorities, security agencies, political parties, candidates and voters.

A transparent process would do more to answer concerns about the election than political threats or social-media arguments.

If the election is genuinely free and fair, whoever wins will have a stronger mandate and greater legitimacy.

The Bottom Line

Davido's decision to invoke Donald Trump in the debate over the Osun governorship election has added another layer of drama to an already heated political contest.

While the singer says he wants to see a free and fair election, his threat to involve the US president if something goes wrong has divided opinion online.

For now, the real test will not be what Davido, his critics or his supporters say on social media.

It will be whether Osun voters can cast their ballots freely and whether those votes are accurately counted and respected.

EDITORIAL TEAM

About Talk Ya True Editorial Team

The Talk Ya True Editorial Team is an independent newsroom committed to factual reporting, responsible journalism and thoughtful analysis across Africa and around the world.

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