Afrobeats star David Adeleke, known as Davido, has called on United States President Donald Trump and the international community to pay close attention to the Osun State governorship election, citing growing concerns about tension, possible violence, intimidation and disruption of the democratic process.
In a post on X on Tuesday, four days before voters go to the polls on Saturday 15 August 2026, the singer wrote: “President Donald Trump, I am calling your attention to the situation in Osun State, Nigeria, as we approach the election. There are growing concerns about tension and the possibility of violence, intimidation, or disruption of the democratic process. Osun people deserve to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, peacefully, and without fear.
“I appeal to the United States and the international community to pay close attention to the election and encourage all relevant authorities to ensure that every voter is protected and every vote is respected. We do not want bloodshed. We do not want intimidation. We want peace, transparency, and a free and fair election.” He tagged Trump’s account.
The election will decide who governs Osun for the next four years. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party. The main challengers are the All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress. Fourteen parties are contesting, with neither the PDP nor the Labour Party fielding a candidate. About 2.34 million registered voters are expected to participate across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Civil society groups have documented dozens of election-related violent incidents in the months leading up to the poll, with reports of fatalities, injuries and attacks on political actors and supporters. The Independent National Electoral Commission has repeatedly assured stakeholders of its readiness, citing the deployment of biometric voter accreditation systems, the signing of a peace accord by parties and collaboration with security agencies. Campaigns are due to end at midnight on Thursday 13 August.
Davido, who was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, has previously indicated that he would seek Trump’s attention if he believed the Osun election process was compromised. Responding to critics who questioned why he addressed the US president rather than Nigerian leaders, he stated that Trump was also “my president” because of his dual citizenship.
The singer’s intervention has drawn significant attention online as the state prepares for what is expected to be a closely contested poll.
By James Smart
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