Nigerian youths have been urged to draw inspiration from Afrobeat star, David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and take an active role in defending their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The charge was made in Port Harcourt yesterday by former National Security Director of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Apostle Eugene Ogu, who described Davido’s role in the August 15 Osun State governorship election as a bold demonstration of youth participation in Nigeria’s democracy, reports Daily Independent.
Ogu, while reacting to the outcome of the election, expressed concern over the possibility of Davido being victimised because of his vocal support for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was declared winner of the poll.
The cleric particularly questioned reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote contacted the music star and allegedly asked him to delete a social media post during the election.
Ogu said the alleged calls were significant because of the influence and political weight of the personalities involved, warning that nothing should happen to Davido or any other young Nigerian who chooses to participate actively in the democratic process.
He also called for greater scrutiny of the alleged involvement of powerful individuals in the Osun election.
According to him, the resilience of Osun voters and Davido’s public engagement had demonstrated that Nigerian youths could no longer afford to remain passive in the nation’s electoral affairs.
“Nigeria’s neck is about to be freed from the knees of corrupt political leaders in the 2027 general elections. At this point, I must warn that nothing happens to Davido and other celebrities who may emerge heroes in Nigeria in 2027,” he said.
Ogu lamented the level of hardship in the country, comparing Nigeria’s current situation to biblical Samaria, where severe hunger drove people to desperate acts.
He alleged that economic hardship had contributed to the rise in kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and prostitution, while also expressing concern over the pressures confronting young people in universities and households.
He said the situation required Nigerians, particularly youths, to use the power of their votes to demand accountability and change.
Ogu consequently charged young Nigerians to turn out massively in 2027, vote according to their conscience, protect their ballots and remain vigilant through the collation process until the final results are declared.
“It was so embarrassing to see the Senate President, who is supposed to be the custodian of the law, with about 19 APC governors and political thugs invade Osun with billions to pervert the election result against the electoral law. But they were frustrated by the resilience of Osun people and Davido. They are my heroes,” he said.
He alleged that the use of food items, cash and other inducements to influence voters had undermined the dignity of Nigerians and contributed to the continued emergence of leaders who, in his view, had failed to address the country’s worsening socioeconomic conditions.
“But Osun people have given Nigerians a template and we must follow it through in 2027,” Ogu said.
He urged Nigerians not to allow ethnicity or religion to determine their political choices, insisting that voters should unite across religious and ethnic divides and support candidates based on competence, character and capacity to deliver good governance.
