Davido appeals to Trump, international community to monitor Osun election amid violence fears
Davido
Abdullateef Fowewe
Afrobeats star, David Adeleke alias Davido has issued a direct appeal to United States President Donald Trump and the international community to closely monitor the upcoming Osun State governorship election in Nigeria, citing escalating risks of violence, intimidation, and disruptions to the democratic process.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Davido wrote, “President Donald Trump, I am calling your attention to the situation in Osun State, Nigeria, as we approach the election. There are growing concerns about tension and the possibility of violence, intimidation, or disruption of the democratic process.
“Osun people deserve to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, peacefully, and without fear.”
He continued, “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. @realDonaldTrump”
The August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election features incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking re-election, alongside major contenders including the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Bola Oyebamiji and the Action Democratic Congress (ADC)’s Najeem Salaam.
Security agencies have deployed thousands of personnel ahead of the poll, but pre-election violence has already claimed dozens of lives.
A Pre-Election Security Risk Assessment by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) recorded 73 election-related violent incidents resulting in 29 deaths, with Osogbo, the state capital, identified as the worst-hit area.
Civil society organizations backed by the European Union have flagged 13 of Osun’s 30 local government areas as high-risk flashpoints due to recurring politically motivated killings, violent attacks, and heightened tensions.
As the nephew of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido has temporarily paused his music career to lead youth mobilization efforts and actively campaign for his uncle amid the heightened political stakes.
During a recent livestream with content creator Carter Efe, Davido warned that he would escalate matters internationally if the election were compromised, “I’ll tag Trump, I’ll call Trump, everybody. If they still don’t see anything, I’ll go in front of the White House and say, ‘Help us.’”
Beyond his appeal to Trump, Davido has repeatedly urged Osun residents and political actors to reject violence. In an earlier post, he stated, “Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation, and every act capable of disrupting the peace of our communities. Your vote is your voice, and your choice.”
