TD Osogbo, Nigeria — Afrobeats superstar Davido has stirred political debate after alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) deployed over ₦110 billion in cash during the Osun State governorship election — a figure that dwarfs earlier reports of ₦60 billion. Speaking in a live interview with News Central TV, Davido recounted how he resisted pressure from senior political figures to delete his social media posts monitoring the vote, insisting he would not relent until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared the results.
Davido’s uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, won re-election on the Accord Party ticket with 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes. Adeleke described the victory as a triumph of faith and popular will, denying speculation of backroom deals and attributing his success to God and the people of Osun.
“I defeated 17 governors with all their powers, their immunity, with all their billions — and I did that with just my mobile phone,” Davido declared, emphasizing the power of grassroots mobilization and his father’s prayers.
Key Highlights from Davido’s Remarks
- He likened the election to a “war”, claiming Adeleke faced 17 governors and 50 senators aligned against him.
- He praised Osun voters for resisting intimidation and defending their ballots “from the polling units all the way to the coalition centers.”
- He alleged APC’s spending was directed at vote buying and orchestrating violence, while his side spent “nothing” on election day.
- He announced plans to complete the Osun State stadium project, which will feature football fields, basketball courts, swimming pools, and other youth sports facilities.
- Davido revealed he intends to stage a major concert at the stadium after inauguration, signaling his return to large-scale performances.
Political Reactions
The election has drawn commentary from national figures. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State’s Nyesom Wike praised the conduct of the polls, describing them as a reflection of Nigeria’s democratic resilience. Governor Adeleke himself credited his victory to divine providence and the steadfastness of Osun’s electorate.
However, Davido’s claims of APC’s ₦110 billion spending remain unverified. Independent observers and watchdog groups have yet to corroborate the figures, and INEC has not issued any statement on alleged vote-buying sums.
Context and Implications
The Osun election underscores the growing influence of social media activism in Nigerian politics. Davido’s refusal to delete his posts — despite pressure from political heavyweights — highlights how digital platforms are increasingly used to monitor elections, mobilize voters, and challenge entrenched power structures.
His remarks also reignite debate over money politics in Nigeria, where allegations of cash inducements and vote buying have long plagued electoral contests. If true, the ₦110 billion figure would represent one of the largest single-election expenditures in Nigerian history.
For Adeleke, the victory cements his position as a populist governor with strong grassroots support. For Davido, it marks a new chapter in his dual role as both entertainer and political influencer, blending celebrity reach with civic activism.
Disclaimer: These claims are Davido’s personal account and have not been independently confirmed. For verified election details, consult official INEC reports or trusted news outlets.
