Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has called on US President Donald Trump to pay attention to the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
In his statement on August 11, Davido cited fears of violence, intimidation and disruption of the voting process.His appeal comes days before voters head to the polls to choose the state’s next governor.
Davido has appealed to Trump and the international community to monitor the forthcoming Osun State governorship election closely.
In a statement, Davido said he was drawing attention to what he described as growing concerns over tension and the possibility of violence, intimidation or disruption of the democratic process.
He urged authorities to ensure that residents can exercise their constitutional right to vote freely and peacefully, without fear.
Davido also called on the United States and the wider international community to encourage relevant Nigerian authorities to protect voters and ensure that every vote is respected.
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, said Davido.
On Monday, some women in Osun also staged a protest over what they described as police harassment and called for a credible, free and fair election. The protesters expressed concern about the security environment as the state approaches polling day.
Security agencies have, however, said they are preparing for the election. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has pledged professional, impartial and apolitical policing during the election, with adequate personnel expected to be deployed to polling units.
The Nigeria Police Force, together with other agencies, has also been urging political actors and voters to reject violence and work towards a peaceful election.
The concerns are particularly significant given that the 2022 Osun governorship election, while largely peaceful, was accompanied by reports of vote buying and other electoral concerns. The United States Mission to Nigeria subsequently congratulated Osun residents on what it described as peaceful voting and commended INEC and security personnel.
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking another term, while the All-Progressives Congress is fielding Bola Oyebamiji. Former Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam is also among the prominent candidates contesting the seat.
Adeleke is seeking to retain control of the state after winning the 2022 election, and the APC is attempting to reclaim the governorship.
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