By Peace Udugba
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has distanced himself from a social media report linking him to comments about the chances of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the forthcoming August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement issued on Friday, the governor said he neither authorised Ambrose Nwogwugwu nor any other person to respond to remarks reportedly made by popular musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, concerning the election.
According to the statement, Davido had appealed to Uzodimma, whom he described as his in-law and someone he holds in high esteem, to use his position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Chairman of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council to ensure a peaceful election.
However, Nwogwugwu reportedly described Davido’s appeal as “emotional blackmail” and advised the singer to direct his appeal to the people of Osun State, who will decide the outcome of the election through their votes.
Reacting, Uzodimma clarified that Nwogwugwu’s comments were purely personal and did not represent his views or those of the APC Osun Governorship Campaign Council.
The governor stressed that Davido remains “his son” and assured the musician that he holds him in high regard.
Uzodimma explained that his presence in Osun State during the election is strictly in his capacity as a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the party’s campaign council, not as a voter.
“I am not an Osun voter,” the governor said, adding that his role is to support the APC’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and encourage the electorate to vote for the party through lawful democratic engagement.
He maintained that the APC has consistently advocated peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, noting that campaigning for a party’s candidate is a legitimate democratic practice.
Uzodimma further said there was nothing unusual about party leaders travelling to support their candidates during elections, emphasising that such activities should not be misconstrued as interference with the electoral process.
The governor also reassured the people of Osun State and Davido that his respect for them remains unwavering and urged the public to disregard Nwogwugwu’s comments.
He said it was necessary to set the record straight to prevent what he described as attempts by mischief makers to misrepresent the position of his office and the APC campaign council.
