Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, have traded words over the forthcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The latest exchange followed Davido’s appeal to an unnamed politician from Imo State to allow Osun residents freely choose their next governor without interference.
The singer, who heads the youth mobilisation campaign for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, had urged political actors to ensure a peaceful and credible election, alleging that there were plans by a politician from Imo State to influence the outcome of the poll.
Responding in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, on Thursday, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Osun governorship election, said Davido should direct his appeal to Osun voters rather than him.
The governor maintained that he had consistently advocated a peaceful, free and credible election and insisted that the APC would rely on the electorate to secure victory at the polls.
He also claimed that many Osun voters had become dissatisfied with the administration of Governor Adeleke and were prepared to vote for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the forthcoming election.
Uzodimma further told the musician to prepare for his uncle’s possible exit from office after the election instead of making what he described as emotional appeals.
He suggested that Davido should be ready to “employ” Governor Adeleke if he loses the election, saying the governor could even join his music band as a dancer after leaving office.
The exchange comes amid heightened political tension in Osun following the freezing of bank accounts linked to the state government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and allegations by Governor Adeleke’s campaign that some of its supporters were arrested by security operatives ahead of the poll.
The campaign organisation has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, alleging intimidation and unlawful detention of its members.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party against the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.