The Afrobeats star has appealed for international attention as concerns over violence and intimidation grow ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, appealed to United States President Donald Trump and the international community to pay close attention to the Osun State governorship election amid concerns over possible violence, intimidation and disruption of the democratic process.
Also read: Osun Election: Police summon Fadahunsi over ‘kill’ threat
The singer’s appeal comes just four days before voters across Osun are due to choose their governor on Saturday, August 15, in an election that has attracted increasing political and security concerns.
Davido called on the United States and other international stakeholders to encourage Nigerian authorities to protect voters and ensure that legitimate votes are respected.
“Osun people deserve to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, peacefully, and without fear,” he said.
He added: “We do not want bloodshed. We do not want intimidation. We want peace, transparency, and a free and fair election.”
The intervention has attracted particular attention because Davido is not a detached observer of the contest.
The singer is a nephew of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and has openly campaigned for his re-election under the Accord Party.
In May, Davido formally joined the governor’s campaign structure and was appointed chairman of the Imole Youth Mobilisation Campaign Council. He also announced a temporary break from music to concentrate on grassroots mobilisation across the state. (Premium Times Nigeria)
The singer had previously indicated that he intended to be present during the election and defend the integrity of the votes.
In June, he said he would be available on August 15 amid concerns about possible electoral manipulation.
His latest intervention therefore places his appeal for peace alongside his established political support for Adeleke, a distinction that is relevant as the campaign enters its final days.
The political atmosphere in Osun has become increasingly charged. Governor Adeleke has repeatedly stressed the importance of allowing voters to determine the outcome of the election, describing a credible poll as essential to the country’s democratic development.
Civil society groups have also raised concerns about the political climate.
In July, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance urged President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police to ensure a credible election, citing fears of violence and alleged attacks in parts of the state.
The tension has also been heightened by inflammatory political rhetoric.
The Osun State Police Command recently summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi over a viral remark in which he appeared to tell APC supporters to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party.
Fadahunsi later said the statement had been misunderstood and that he was referring metaphorically to defeating Accord at the ballot box.
Against that backdrop, Davido’s appeal carries both a personal and a wider civic dimension.
He is seeking a peaceful election while also campaigning for a candidate with whom he has a close family relationship.
His decision to address Trump has also generated debate over the appropriate role of foreign governments and international actors in Nigeria’s electoral affairs.
Davido subsequently defended his decision by referring to his dual citizenship, according to reports published after the initial appeal.
The request itself was framed around international attention rather than a demand for foreign intervention.
Davido called on the United States and the wider international community to encourage the relevant Nigerian authorities to protect voters and uphold the credibility of the process.
For Osun voters, the central concern remains more immediate: whether election day will allow citizens to cast their ballots without intimidation and whether political actors will accept the democratic process.
The August 15 contest is expected to be closely watched, with Adeleke seeking another term and the All Progressives Congress mounting a strong challenge.
Fourteen candidates are listed for the governorship election, although the contest has largely centred on the leading political forces.
The significance of the election extends beyond Osun itself. As one of the major electoral contests before Nigeria’s 2027 general election, its conduct is likely to be closely scrutinised by political parties, civil society organisations and observers.
For Davido, the message is ultimately a simple one: political competition should not come at the cost of human lives or the right of citizens to vote freely.
His call for peace comes at a delicate moment, when the language used by candidates and their supporters could either calm tensions or deepen them.
With polling day approaching, the responsibility for a peaceful and credible election will rest primarily with Nigeria’s electoral institutions, security agencies, political parties and voters.
Also read: Osun 2026: Dele Momodu chooses Adeleke over party loyalty
International attention may add scrutiny, but the decisive test will be whether Osun’s electorate can make its choice without fear.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
