By James Adamu
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has moved to distance himself from controversial comments made by an aide regarding music star Davido’s appeal for peace in the upcoming Osun State governorship election, insisting that his respect for the singer remains intact even as he campaigns for his party’s candidate.
In a press release issued Wednesday, Uzodimma clarified that he neither authorized Ambrose Nwogwugwu nor anyone else to respond to Davido’s remarks during a media briefing, where the musician—nephew of Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke—had appealed to the Imo Governor to use his influence as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum to ensure peaceful conduct during the August 15 poll.
Nwogwugwu had publicly described Davido’s plea as “emotional blackmail” and suggested the singer should instead direct his appeal to Osun voters.
But Uzodimma swiftly disowned those comments, describing them as Nwogwugwu’s personal opinion and warning against mischief-makers who might misinterpret them as official positions.
“Davido remains my son,” Uzodimma said in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku. “My respect for him and the people of Osun State is not negotiable.”
The Governor, who also serves as Chairman of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council, made it clear that his involvement in the election is purely as a party chieftain and not as a voter or resident of the state. He noted that it is standard democratic practice for party leaders to campaign for their candidates, even outside their home states.
Uzodimma is backing APC candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, who is challenging incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While acknowledging Davido’s appeal, the Governor made no commitment to the musician’s request for peace intervention, instead reiterating the APC’s commitment to “peaceful, credible, free and fair democratic contests.” He urged Osun voters to support his party’s candidate, a call he insisted was not undemocratic.
The Imo Governor’s swift clarification appears aimed at preventing any perception of discord between him and Davido, who is married to Chioma Rowland, an indigene of Imo State. The family connection has long been a source of pride for the state, and Uzodimma has previously publicly embraced the singer as a son of Imo through marriage.
Political observers note that Uzodimma’s careful balancing act reflects the delicate nature of the situation, maintaining his political duties as an APC stalwart while preserving goodwill with a globally respected figure who holds family ties to his state.
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, and is expected to be closely contested between the ruling PDP and the opposition APC, with both parties deploying high-profile figures to campaign across the state.
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