Davido Warns Tinubu Over Osun Election, Threatens to Take Dispute to Trump

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has warned that he will seek international attention if anything goes wrong during the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, with United States President Donald Trump specifically mentioned as a possible point of escalation.

Davido made the remarks as political tension continues to build ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State. The singer’s comments have attracted widespread attention because of his prominent family connection to the state and his close relationship with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is his uncle.

According to reports, Davido made the controversial declaration during a livestream with comedian Carter Efe on Wednesday, August 5. He expressed concern about the credibility of the forthcoming poll and indicated that he would not remain silent if he believed the electoral process had been compromised.

The singer reportedly said he would tag President Trump publicly and, if necessary, travel to Washington to seek his attention over the conduct of the election. His statement has since generated intense debate online, with Nigerians expressing sharply different views about the involvement of a foreign leader in an election taking place in a Nigerian state.

Davido’s intervention comes amid heightened political interest in the Osun election, which is expected to be closely watched because of the contest between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. The poll is also taking place against a backdrop of disputes and accusations involving political actors in the state.

The singer has repeatedly used his public platform to speak about the need for a peaceful and credible election. In another appearance in Osogbo on August 5, Davido appealed to political leaders, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, to allow Osun residents to freely determine their preferred leaders at the ballot box.

During that appearance, Davido acknowledged that he had encountered reports alleging possible attempts to influence the election, although he said he could not independently verify the claims. He nevertheless urged political stakeholders to put the interests of Osun residents and the peaceful conduct of the election above partisan considerations.

His latest comments have sparked mixed reactions across social media. Some commentators welcomed his willingness to speak publicly about electoral accountability, while others questioned the wisdom of bringing the American president into a Nigerian state election. The debate has also revived wider arguments over the role of entertainers and other public figures in Nigeria’s political affairs.

Davido’s involvement is particularly significant because the election has a direct family dimension for him. His uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking to retain control of the state, making the singer’s public interventions subject to scrutiny from supporters and opponents of the incumbent administration.

With the August 15 poll drawing closer, attention will now focus on whether electoral authorities and security agencies can deliver a peaceful, transparent and credible process. Davido’s warning has added another layer to the already intense political conversation, but the ultimate responsibility for determining the outcome of the Osun election remains with the voters and Nigeria’s electoral institutions.