The Presidency has criticised Afrobeat singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over his social media comments during the August 15 Osun State governorship election, saying he would not have made similar claims in countries such as Rwanda or Ethiopia.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni TV, where he described Davido as an active partisan in the Osun election because of his support for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

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Ajayi argued that Davido’s comments should be viewed within the context of his participation in the election campaign, rather than as neutral observations about the electoral process.

“Davido was an active participant in the process. He went all out for his uncle to win the election. He was part of the process and even held a position in the campaign structure,” Ajayi said.

The presidential aide said Nigeria’s democratic environment allows citizens to express their opinions publicly, including on social media, but warned against making allegations capable of inciting violence without evidence.

“Davido can’t dare say or tweet all of those things in countries like Rwanda or Ethiopia. He will be picked up to come and provide evidence. You don’t make reckless claims that you don’t have evidence of. These things are capable of inciting the public into violence,” he said.

Davido was particularly vocal on social media during the election and its aftermath. He subsequently deleted a post in which he appeared to withdraw his support for any presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election, writing: “No more supporting any presidential candidate @AAdeleke_01 make we Dey our Dey!!!”

He also reportedly deleted a post directed at President Tinubu which read: “U no try @officialABAT.”

The singer’s comments attracted attention because Governor Adeleke had publicly endorsed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. Despite Davido’s position, Adeleke reaffirmed his support for the President after winning the Osun election.

Adeleke defeated the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, with 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815, while ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.

In his acceptance speech, Adeleke praised Tinubu for what he described as his contribution to a credible election and reaffirmed his endorsement of the President for the 2027 presidential election.

He also disclosed that Tinubu contacted him after the election, thanking the President for his intervention in matters involving the Osun State Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

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