Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has distanced himself from remarks made by his aide, Ambrose Nwogwugwu, in response to a recent peace appeal by Nigerian musician David Adeleke (Davido) ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Governor Uzodimma clarified that he did not authorize Nwogwugwu—or anyone else—to respond to Davido’s call for a peaceful election. Davido, who is also Uzodimma’s in-law, had urged the governor, in his capacity as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and head of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council, to advocate for peace during the polls.
Nwogwugwu, however, characterized Davido’s appeal as “emotional blackmail” and suggested that the singer should address his message to Osun voters instead, as they will ultimately determine the election’s outcome.
In a statement released Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, Governor Uzodimma disavowed Nwogwugwu’s comments, insisting they do not reflect his own position or that of the campaign council. He emphasized that his relationship with Davido remains unaffected.
“Davido is still my son,” Uzodimma said, adding that the singer’s presence in Osun does not make him a registered voter in the state.
The governor explained that he would be in Osun in his capacity as a leader and committed APC member, to support the party’s candidate and monitor the electoral process. He noted that it is standard practice in a democracy for party leaders to accompany candidates and campaign, regardless of their voter registration status in the state.
Uzodimma reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to a peaceful, credible, and fair election, but asserted the party’s right to campaign for its candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. He said that seeking support for a candidate is a legitimate part of democratic competition.
“My respect for Davido and the people of Osun State is unwavering,” Uzodimma stated.
He urged Davido, the people of Osun, and the general public to disregard Nwogwugwu’s remarks, describing them as personal opinions and not the official stance of either the governor or the campaign council. Uzodimma said this clarification was necessary to prevent mischief makers from misrepresenting the comments and causing unnecessary tension ahead of the election.
