Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has alleged that soldiers were attempting to prevent him from entering Osun State as residents prepared to vote in Saturday’s governorship election.
The singer made the claim in a post on his verified X account in the early hours of Saturday, August 15, amid heightened security arrangements across the state.
“I’ve been reliably informed that Soliders are trying to prevent me from entering Osun tomorrow, this won’t happen, every citizen of Nigeria has the right to movement at any point of time,” he wrote.
Davido did not identify the source of the information or name the soldiers allegedly involved. He also did not disclose the route he intended to use to enter the state or say whether security officials had personally contacted him.
His allegation came against the backdrop of a movement restriction imposed ahead of the Osun governorship election. The Nigeria Police Force announced restrictions on movement in the state as part of measures to secure voters, electoral officials and election materials.
Tight Security Across Osun
Security agencies have deployed a large number of personnel across Osun for the election, with police operations covering the state's 30 local government areas.
The measures include restrictions on movement, road controls and aerial surveillance designed to limit potential threats before, during and after voting.
The restrictions have also prompted debate over the balance between individual freedom of movement and the security measures typically introduced during major elections.
Some social media users expressed concern that Davido might be facing a restriction specifically targeted at him, while others argued that the singer's situation was simply part of a broader election-day security operation affecting members of the public.
Bashir Ahmad Responds
Reacting to Davido's claim, former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad accused the singer of creating unnecessary drama over the movement restrictions.
“You are just dramatic, @davido. It has been widely announced by the security operators that movement in and around Osun will be restricted from 12 midnight today until 6 pm today due to the election and this is a standard security measure during elections anywhere not peculiar to Osun.”
Ahmad added that the constitutional right to freedom of movement does not necessarily mean ignoring lawful security measures introduced during an election.
“So the right to freedom of movement does not mean ignoring lawful security measures put in place to ensure a peaceful and credible election,” Ahmad wrote.
The exchange has further intensified discussion around Davido's involvement in the Osun election and the political significance of his public statements.
Davido's Role in the Osun Election
Davido has been one of the most prominent supporters of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office.
The singer's involvement in Osun politics became particularly visible during the 2022 governorship election, when he campaigned for Adeleke and helped mobilise young voters.
Adeleke ultimately defeated the then-incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, to win the election.
The 2026 contest has again placed Davido close to the political spotlight. Earlier in the week, he called on US President Donald Trump and the international community to monitor the Osun election, citing concerns over reported incidents of violence, intimidation and attempts to disrupt the poll.
The appeal generated criticism in Nigeria, particularly after Davido referred to Trump as his president. The singer subsequently explained that he holds both Nigerian and American citizenship.
Adeleke Faces Strong Challengers
In Saturday's election, Adeleke is seeking re-election under the Accord Party, with the contest featuring several prominent challengers.
Among them are Bola Oyebamiji of the APC and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress.
With extensive security measures in place and political tensions heightened, Davido's allegation has added another layer to an already closely watched election.
For now, however, the singer's claim that soldiers were specifically attempting to prevent him from entering Osun remains an allegation; he has not publicly provided details identifying the personnel involved or explaining the circumstances surrounding the reported attempt.