Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has said he is no longer keen on pursuing a political career, citing concerns over the track record of celebrities who have made the transition from entertainment to politics.
The multiple award-winning singer, whose full name is David Adedeji Adeleke, shared his views during a recent livestream on Twitch with streamer Davrel. He explained that while he once harboured ambitions of entering partisan politics, he has grown sceptical about the move, partly due to the experiences of other high-profile entertainers who ventured into governance.
“I wanted to go into politics before, but honestly, now I see it two ways,” Davido said. “All my years of goodwill, my name, my career, all the hard work and the fan base we have built — it’s tricky because of the way people look at things. The superstars that have gone into politics, the transition hasn’t really been successful.”
He added that politics in Nigeria is often treated as a full-time profession, making it difficult for outsiders to navigate. “I feel like if you are a politician, you are a politician. It is like it is their business,” he remarked.
Davido’s comments come at a time when several Nigerian celebrities have sought political office, with mixed results. The singer, known for his philanthropy and youth advocacy, has in the past used his platform to support political candidates and causes. However, he now appears to be focusing on his music career and business ventures, which have earned him global recognition and a loyal fan base across Africa and beyond.
His remarks reflect a broader debate about the role of entertainers in Nigerian politics, particularly as the country prepares for future elections amid growing youth engagement and calls for political reform.
