Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political space with a bold declaration: if the upcoming Osun State governorship election is rigged, he will personally reach out to United States President Donald Trump and take his protest to the White House. The award-winning singer made the explosive remarks during a livestream session with comedian and content creator Carter Efe, where he opened up about his political aspirations, his distrust in Nigeria’s electoral system, and his determination to protect the integrity of the election in his home state. The Osun State gubernatorial election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, and Davido’s uncle, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking a second term in office. The election is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched off-cycle polls in Nigeria, with tensions rising between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

During the livestream, Davido did not hold back on his political ambitions. He told his audience that while he has the popularity and grassroots support to win any election in Nigeria, he would only consider running for office when the system guarantees transparency. In his words, “Until there’s transparency, then I can go ahead with politics because nobody can beat me in any election. If there’s a free and fair election, let everybody come out to vote, I will win. But because of the system, there’s no transparency; they write the results.” The singer went even further, claiming that under a truly credible process, he could even win the Nigerian presidential election. However, he stressed that he has “no time” for politics under the current system, which he believes is plagued by manipulated results. “In a free and fair election, I can win the presidential election in Nigeria,” he said, adding, “I will do something to you if you cheat me.”

Turning his attention to the Osun governorship race, Davido said he would be watching closely to see how the electoral process unfolds, and he warned that any attempt to compromise the poll would not go unanswered. “I want to see what they are going to do in Osun. We are waiting,” he stated. The singer then dropped his most controversial line yet: if he is dissatisfied with the conduct of the election, he will escalate his concerns globally—starting with the President of the United States. “I’ll tag Trump, I’ll call Trump, everybody. If they still don’t see anything, I’ll go in front of the White House and say, ‘Help us.’ They think it’s a joke,” Davido declared. He added with confidence, “Trump will just say, ‘I think there’s a Nigerian artiste sending me a message. Don’t worry, my message will be delivered.'” He ended his remarks with a direct plea to electoral authorities and political actors: “Leave Osun alone oo. Leave it.”

READ ALSO:

• Customs Intercepts 140 Pump-Action Rifles, Cannabis-Infused Products Worth ₦373.8 Million at Tin Can Port
• NMDPRA Unveils Sweeping Draft Rules to Ban Fuel Price-Fixing, Artificial Scarcity
• Troops Arrest Fulani Youth Leader Over Deadly Kaduna Community Attack

Davido’s comments have ignited a firestorm of debate across Nigerian social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with reactions falling into distinct camps. Supporters applauded his courage and willingness to use his global platform to demand electoral transparency, and many young Nigerians echoed his frustration with the country’s history of disputed elections. Critics, however, mocked the idea of appealing to a foreign leader over a state-level election, with some questioning the effectiveness of such a move. The controversy also drew a response from political figures; an aide to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma publicly criticized Davido’s remarks, describing them as misplaced and an unnecessary internationalisation of Nigeria’s internal affairs.

Davido has been visibly active in campaigning for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election under the PDP banner, as the Adeleke family is one of the most prominent political dynasties in Osun State, and Davido has repeatedly used his influence to rally support for his uncle’s administration. The singer has also consistently called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process. His latest warning, however, marks a significant escalation in his rhetoric, raising questions about what role he might play if the election results are contested.

The Osun State governorship election is being closely monitored by political analysts and civil society groups, with key issues including electoral credibility following controversies in past off-cycle elections, security concerns about political thuggery and voter intimidation, and economic governance as Osun faces challenges in infrastructure, health, and education. While INEC has assured the public of its commitment to a transparent process, Davido’s warning reflects the deep-seated distrust many Nigerians still hold toward the electoral system.

While the singer continues to dominate global music charts, he made it clear that his entry into politics will only happen when he is confident that his votes will count. “Until there’s transparency, then I can go ahead with politics,” he reiterated. For now, all eyes are on August 15, as Davido and millions of Nigerians watch to see whether the Osun election will be a model of democratic integrity—or another flashpoint for controversy.

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Dies at 40 After Courageous Cancer Battle

The Nigerian movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Yoruba Nollywood actress and producer, Temitope Osoba, who reportedly passed away at the age of 40. Her death has left colleagues, fans, and loved ones devastated. Announcing her passage on Wednesday morning, her close associate and colleague, actor Alesh Ola Sanni, disclosed that the actress died on Tuesday evening. In an emotional Instagram post, he wrote: “Couldn’t sleep since last night, it’s well. Rest in peace my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing time and good memories together, till we meet again. I really dunno what to say mehn, gosh.”

Osoba’s death comes nearly two years after she underwent breast cancer surgery and after she had publicly documented her health struggles. She had previously opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis, describing the moment she discovered a lump during a self-examination in late 2024. According to Osoba, she found a lump in her breast and sought medical help, but a private hospital doctor initially told her the lump was linked to her being of childbearing age. Despite that reassurance, she remained unsettled and continued monitoring the area, eventually noticing the lump had grown. Further testing confirmed the presence of cancer. She underwent surgery in November 2024 to remove the tumour, and doctors later advised her to undergo a second operation to eliminate the remaining cancer cells. A CT scan brought some relief, showing the cancer had not spread significantly, and doctors confirmed she would not need a mastectomy or chemotherapy — only radiation treatment.

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba

READ ALSO:

• BREAKING: 61.54% Pass Rate as WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Results – How to Check Results
• Army Arrests Two Soldiers for Acting as Bouncers at TikToker Peller’s Lavish Lagos Wedding
• Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

Covering the cost of treatment proved a significant challenge for the actress. In November 2024, Osoba solicited financial assistance from the public for her second surgery. She reached out to colleagues for financial support, with actress Foluke Daramola stepping in to help raise awareness and funds on her behalf. Daramola later told her that the response had been limited because many people did not recognise her face, which prompted Osoba to make a public video appeal. The campaign worked, and Osoba successfully completed her treatment.

In August 2025, Osoba announced her return to acting following her recovery. In a video posted on Instagram, she became emotional as she appreciated her fans, colleagues, and supporters for standing by her with prayers and encouragement throughout her battle with the disease. She said the experience transformed her life, adding that it inspired her to rebrand her career and strengthened her determination to use her story to motivate others. “Dear beloved fans, supporters, and loved ones, I’m Temitope Osoba, and after my cancer experience, I’m excited to announce my reintroduction. This journey has been a turning point, leading to my rebranding, reshaping, and rebuilding. I’m emerging stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others,” she said.

Osoba had also revealed how cancer almost prevented her from conceiving. In an interview on Oyinmomo TV, she disclosed that doctors told her she would not be able to conceive for the next five years because of the medications she would have to take, as they could affect the baby. She was placed on a five-year medication plan, during which her doctors advised against pregnancy. She, however, said she rejected the report, held onto her faith, and began praying and fasting over the issue. “I was told I had cancer and that further tests would be carried out to check how far it had spread. The doctors also said I wouldn’t be able to conceive for the next 5 years because of the medications I’d have to take, as they could affect the baby. Hearing that at 38 years old was devastating. I couldn’t imagine waiting that long. But I rejected the report and held on to my faith in God,” she said.

News of her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief online, with many stunned that the actress, who had fought so hard to survive, is gone. While tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues, as of the time of filing this report, the cause of Osoba’s death had not been officially disclosed and no official statement had been released by her family or management.