Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has responded to Afrobeats star Davido’s appeal urging him not to interfere in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The governor told the singer to channel his appeal to the electorate rather than him.
Uzodimma, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the poll, also launched a scathing attack on the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing it as a failure.
He advised Davido to begin preparing to sign his uncle, the governor, as a dancer after the polls.
Davido had, on Wednesday, addressed supporters of the Accord Party in Osogbo, where he claimed to have heard reports of alleged plans by Uzodimma to influence the election. The Grammy-nominated singer said Osun residents should be allowed to freely elect the candidate of their choice in a peaceful atmosphere.
However, reacting in a statement on Thursday through his Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma dismissed the appeal as misplaced.
According to the governor, the decision on who governs Osun rests solely with the people of the state, not with him.
He also reiterated his commitment to a peaceful, free and credible electoral process, maintaining that the APC would continue to canvass support for its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), through lawful and democratic means.
Uzodimma further claimed that many Osun residents had become dissatisfied with Adeleke’s administration and were ready for a change of leadership in the forthcoming election.
He argued that, instead of making emotional appeals to him, Davido should focus on supporting his uncle as he prepares for life outside public office if the APC emerges victorious.
Taking a swipe at the singer, Uzodimma said Davido might also need to make room for Adeleke in his music band, claiming the governor could soon be out of political office after the election.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, with the APC, the Accord and other parties expected to battle for control of the state.
