Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad have escalated a public feud that could spill into the streets of Osun State as political tensions rise ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
The confrontation began Thursday following a telephone conversation between President Bola Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle. The singer celebrated the presidential outreach on X, writing that he “was there live! I witnessed history.”
Ahmad, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress and former media aide to the presidency, responded by bookmarking the post with a suggestion that the musician would soon return to the platform to lament the election outcome.
Davido fired back sharply, mocking Ahmad’s performance in a recent APC primary where he reportedly secured only 16 votes. The artist further accused the former presidential aide of failing to deliver tangible benefits to his community despite serving in government for eight years.
In a direct rejoinder, Ahmad declared his intention to be physically present in Osogbo, the state capital, for APC campaign activities. “I will be in Osogbo from 11th, David,” he wrote, setting the stage for a potential face-to-face encounter between the two prominent figures.
The digital clash mirrors the intensifying battle for Osun’s governorship seat. The incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, is mounting a vigorous reelection bid against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji. Both camps have accelerated grassroots mobilization and public rallies as the election date approaches.
The involvement of high-profile personalities like Davido, whose social media following numbers in the millions, adds a cultural dimension to the political contest. His public alignment with his uncle’s administration has drawn both support and criticism, reflecting the intersection of entertainment influence and electoral politics in Nigeria.
Political analysts note that while celebrity endorsements can energize younger voters, the electoral outcome will ultimately hinge on local party structures, security arrangements, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s capacity to deliver a credible process.
Security agencies have not yet commented on the prospect of rival supporters converging in Osogbo. Previous election cycles in the state have witnessed isolated violence, prompting calls for restraint from civil society groups.
As campaign activities peak, the focus shifts to whether online rhetoric translates to offline confrontation or if the exchange remains confined to social media platforms where it began.
