Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, has dismissed suggestions that he has any personal influence over the outcome of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, insisting that he is neither a registered voter in the state nor someone who can determine the direction of the electoral process.
The governor made the clarification amid public reactions to comments credited to Ambrose Nwogwugwu, who reportedly criticised an appeal by Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, describing the singer’s call for peace as “emotional blackmail.”
Uzodimma said the statement did not originate from him and should not be interpreted as reflecting either his personal position or that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign leadership in Osun.
Davido, who has been actively involved in political activities in Osun State because of his family ties, had earlier appealed to the Imo governor to use his influence as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Chairman of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council to encourage a peaceful, transparent and violence-free election.
The award-winning musician is a nephew of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office as the Accord Party’s candidate in the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
His appeal generated widespread conversations on social media and across political circles, with differing opinions emerging over the responsibilities of political leaders during elections.
Responding to the development, Uzodimma, through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, emphasised that he never instructed Nwogwugwu or any other individual to issue a response on his behalf.
He stressed that the comments attributed to the aide were entirely personal and should not be mistaken for the official position of either the governor or the APC campaign organisation.
According to the statement, the clarification became necessary to prevent the public from drawing the wrong conclusions or assuming that the governor endorsed remarks capable of creating unnecessary political tension ahead of the election.
Uzodimma described Davido as someone he holds in high regard, referring to the singer as “his son” while reaffirming their cordial relationship despite political differences surrounding the Osun governorship contest.
The governor explained that Davido’s presence in Osun during the election period should not be viewed as participation in the voting process but rather as political support for individuals and causes he believes in.
In the same vein, Uzodimma noted that his own involvement in the state’s political activities is limited to campaign responsibilities assigned to him by his party and does not make him an eligible voter in Osun.
“Davido remains my son. His coming to Osun for the exercise is solely because he is a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and not one of the voters in the state’s governorship election on Saturday next week or at any other time,” the governor stated.
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He further explained that it is a long-established democratic practice for political leaders, party officials and supporters to travel across different states to campaign for their candidates.
According to him, such participation is an accepted feature of democratic politics and should never be confused with the constitutional right of registered voters to determine election outcomes.
Uzodimma maintained that elections are ultimately decided by eligible voters residing in the affected states and not by political leaders who visit to canvass support.
He said campaign council members, governors and party officials often play advisory and mobilisation roles without possessing voting rights in the areas where they campaign.
The Imo governor also reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to peaceful elections, stating that the party remains dedicated to promoting free, fair and credible democratic processes across the country.
He noted that the APC would continue to mobilise support for its Osun governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, while respecting the will of the electorate.
He added that democracy thrives when political actors conduct themselves responsibly, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and encourage citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process without intimidation or violence.
Uzodimma assured Davido and the people of Osun State of his continued respect, stressing that his assignment in the state is purely political and centred on supporting his party’s candidate through lawful campaigns.
He reiterated that neither he nor members of the campaign council have the authority to influence how registered voters cast their ballots.
The governor therefore appealed to Davido, residents of Osun State and the general public to disregard the comments attributed to Nwogwugwu, insisting that they remain the personal opinions of the individual involved.
He urged political stakeholders and citizens alike to focus on preserving peace before, during and after the governorship election, expressing confidence that a calm atmosphere would strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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