Afrobeats star David Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, has declared he could win any free and fair election in Nigeria but insists he has no intention of entering politics while the current electoral system remains compromised.
Speaking during a livestream with content creator Carter Efe, the musician said he would continue focusing on music until Nigeria achieves genuine electoral transparency. When asked whether he would consider running for governor, Davido responded in Nigerian Pidgin: “Nigeria wey dem dey write result? I no get time for all those ones.”
He elaborated that he would not accept electoral manipulation, adding: “Because I no be all those ones wey you go cheat me, I go go sleep for house. I will do something to you if you cheat me.”
The singer maintained that in a credible contest, no opponent could defeat him — not even in a presidential race. “Nobody can beat me in any election, never! In a free and fair election, I can win presidential election in Nigeria,” he said.
Davido cited the lack of transparency and the practice of predetermined results as his primary reasons for staying out of politics. He specifically referenced the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial election, saying he is “waiting to see what they will do” and that “we are wailing.”
The comments reflect wider public frustration with Nigeria’s electoral process, where allegations of vote-rigging, result manipulation, and institutional compromise have persisted across multiple election cycles. Davido’s stature as one of Africa’s most followed musicians gives his views significant reach, particularly among younger voters who have demanded reform.
While the artist has previously engaged in political advocacy — including support for candidates and participation in voter mobilization — his latest remarks underscore a growing sentiment among high-profile Nigerians that meaningful participation requires structural change.
Osun State, Davido’s home state, is scheduled to hold its next gubernatorial election in 2026. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of electoral integrity in a region where political competition is often fierce and disputes frequent.
For now, Davido says his focus remains on music. But his assertion that he could win a presidential election in a fair contest highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and political aspiration in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.