2027: Davido Says Nobody Can Force Presidential Candidate on Him, Claims He Defeated 17 Governors With Phone

2027: Davido Says Nobody Can Force Presidential Candidate on Him, Claims He Defeated 17 Governors With Phone

Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has declared that nobody can force him to support a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, insisting that his political choices remain personal despite his uncle’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The singer made the remarks while reflecting on his involvement in the Osun State governorship election, where he campaigned for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, against the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Davido also claimed that he confronted the political influence and resources of 17 APC governors during the campaign, saying he relied largely on his mobile phone and social media presence to mobilise support.

“I defeated 17 governors with all their power, with all their immunity, with all their aides, with all their escort commanders, with all their DSS, with all their billions. I defeated them with my phone,” the singer said during an interview with News Central TV.

The remark referred to his role in the Osun governorship contest and was Davido’s personal assessment of the campaign, rather than an independently established account of the involvement of 17 governors.

The singer’s comments have drawn renewed attention amid discussions about the political influence of celebrities and expectations that he might support a presidential candidate in 2027 following his involvement in his uncle’s campaign.

Davido said he had received messages from people urging him to replicate his support for Governor Adeleke at the national level. However, he rejected the suggestion that his participation in the Osun election meant he had already chosen a presidential candidate.

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“For now, I feel like I did what I had to do for the Osun people and my family. You can’t force me to have a presidential candidate,” he said.

He also made it clear that Governor Adeleke’s political decisions did not automatically determine his own position.

The Osun governor declared support for President Tinubu after his electoral victory, but Davido said his uncle might have personal or state-related reasons for the decision.

According to the singer, maintaining a cordial relationship with the Federal Government could be beneficial to a state administration seeking support and allocations. He stressed, however, that such considerations were for his uncle to make.

Davido further stated that he was not prepared to endorse any presidential candidate at the time of the interview and ruled out supporting the ruling APC, while leaving open the possibility that his position could change.

The singer recalled supporting political candidates in previous elections, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar when he was associated with the Peoples Democratic Party. He also referred to his involvement in earlier political campaigns linked to his late uncle, Isiaka Adeleke.

His latest position highlights the distinction between his support for Governor Adeleke in a state election and his personal decision about the next presidential contest.

Davido has also previously discussed the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral process and questioned whether the country’s political system adequately protects voters’ choices. During the interview, he reflected on the difficulties of participating in politics and the responsibilities that come with seeking public office.

Despite his involvement in political campaigns, the award-winning musician has not announced a presidential candidate for 2027.

His comments come as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the next general election, with public figures and entertainers likely to remain part of the wider debate over political participation and voter mobilisation.

For now, Davido says he intends to make his own decision rather than follow pressure from supporters or family members.