Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, that their relationship remains cordial despite their opposing interests in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Uzodimma, however, reminded the singer that he is not an Osun voter and cannot decide the outcome of the August 15, 2026 election.

The governor stated this in a press release issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku.

The statement followed Davido’s appeal to Uzodimma to promote peace and avoid allowing Osun to become a political battleground during the election.

Davido made the appeal at a youth mobilisation event in support of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party.

Uzodimma also distanced himself from a response issued by Ambrose Nwogwugwu, who described Davido’s appeal as “emotional blackmail.”

The governor said he neither authorised Nwogwugwu nor anyone else to respond to the singer on his behalf.

“Uzodimma said he neither authorised one Ambrose Nwogwugwu nor anyone for that matter to respond to a comment, during a media briefing, where the nephew of the Osun State Governor, David Adeleke, reportedly made a plea to the Governor of Imo State regarding the forthcoming election,” the statement read.

Nwogwugwu had advised Davido to direct his appeal to Osun voters, who would decide whether to retain Adeleke or elect another candidate.

Clarifying his position, Uzodimma said the comments represented Nwogwugwu’s personal opinion and not the position of the governor or the APC National Campaign Council.

“Uzodimma urged Davido, Osun State people and the public to disregard whatever personal opinion Nwogwugwu must have canvassed as neither representative of his nor the position of the Campaign Council which he heads,” the statement added.

Uzodimma said it became necessary to clarify the matter because some people had begun presenting Nwogwugwu’s comments as his official response to Davido.

The governor assured the singer that political differences would not affect the relationship between them.

“Davido remains his son,” the statement said.

Uzodimma explained that his involvement in the Osun election was based on his position as a committed member of the All Progressives Congress and chairman of the party’s national campaign council for the poll.

He said he would visit Osun to campaign for the APC candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and monitor the election on behalf of his party.

The governor stressed that he would not participate as a voter and had no power to cast a ballot for or against any candidate.

According to the statement, Uzodimma’s presence in Osun would be “solely because he is a committed member of the All Progressives Congress, and not one of the voters in the state’s governorship election.”

He added that campaigning for Oyebamiji was a normal democratic activity and should not be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with the election.

Uzodimma maintained that political leaders often travel to other states to support their candidates and seek votes during elections.

“He maintained that it is not new in a democracy in general, and in Nigeria in particular, for party leaders and members to join their candidates and seek support for them during elections,” the statement said.

The governor also defended the APC’s commitment to peaceful elections.

“He maintained that the APC has always canvassed for peaceful, credible, free and fair democratic contests,” it added.

Uzodimma assured Davido that his respect for the singer and the people of Osun State was “not negotiable.”

Davido had earlier appealed to voters to reject violence, intimidation, provocation and destruction as political activities intensified across the state.

The singer said he was speaking not only as an entertainer but also as a youth and a citizen concerned about the safety of Osun residents.

“I understand the tension and emotion surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm,” Davido said.

He also appealed directly to political leaders to allow democracy to take its course and respect the choice of the electorate.

“Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk,” he said.

Davido referenced his family connection to Imo State through his wife, Chioma Adeleke, while addressing Uzodimma.

“We have mutual connections, and I have a deep connection to Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful,” he said.

He concluded by warning that the pursuit of political power should never take priority over public safety.

“Politics is temporary, but Osun will be here forever. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life,” Davido added.

Uzodimma heads the APC’s 276-member National Campaign Council for the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission cleared six candidates for the contest, including Adeleke of the Accord Party and Oyebamiji of the APC.