Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, has issued a direct challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress, urging the party to demonstrate its political support through the ballot box rather than through intimidation and violence. The artist’s intervention comes in the wake of a disturbing on an opposition politician that has reignited concerns about the role of violence in Nigerian politics as the country moves toward its 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his verified social media account Thursday, Davido condemned the recent ing of Asimiyu Ajibola, known as Baba Isila, who serves as chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government. The incident occurred Wednesday night when suspected political thugs opened fire on the party official, marking yet another troubling episode in what many observers describe as Nigeria’s increasingly volatile political landscape. Davido described the as an affront to democratic principles that must be universally rejected across party lines.
The entertainer, who commands a massive following both within Nigeria and across the African diaspora, pulled no punches in his assessment of the situation. His message was unequivocal: if the APC believes it enjoys genuine popular support, it should prove that claim at polling stations rather than through weapons and intimidation. Political violence, he argued, does more than harm individual victims. It fundamentally undermines the democratic process by creating an atmosphere of fear that keeps ordinary citizens away from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
Davido’s statement extends beyond partisan politics to address a deeper national crisis. He called on all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to resist contributing to the insecurity that has plagued Africa’s most populous nation. His message resonates particularly strongly given Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, which range from insurgency in the northeast to banditry in the northwest and separatist agitation in the southeast. Adding political violence to this combustible mix threatens to further deilize a nation already grappling with multiple security threats.
The timing of this intervention is significant. As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 elections, concerns are mounting about whether the electoral process can be conducted peacefully. Past election cycles have been marred by violence, voter intimidation, and allegations of rigging, leaving many citizens disillusioned with the democratic process. Prominent voices calling for restraint and adherence to democratic norms become especially important during these periods. When a figure with Davido’s reach and influence speaks out, the message carries weight far beyond traditional political channels.
What happens next may well determine whether Nigeria can break its cycle of election related violence. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and now entertainment figures are forming a chorus demanding peaceful political engagement. Security agencies face mounting pressure to protect political actors from all parties and to prosecute those responsible for s like the one on Ajibola. Whether the political class will heed these calls or continue business as usual remains the critical question. As 2027 approaches, Nigerians are watching closely to see if their democracy can mature beyond the barrel of a gun to become truly settled at the ballot box.
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