Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos/Osogbo — Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has made a decisive move into frontline political engagement by announcing his intention to formally join the Accord Party in Osun State, just weeks after his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, defected to the same political platform. The announcement has captured national attention, underscoring the growing intersection between celebrity influence and grassroots politics in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
In a message shared on his verified social media account, Davido confirmed he would be in Osogbo, Osun State, to collect his Accord Party membership card at the Imole House headquarters. The Grammy-nominated Afrobeats icon stated: “I will be live in Osun to pick up my @AccordPartyNG membership card @ Imole House Osogbo tomorrow… see you soon ACCORDINGLY.” His post immediately generated widespread public discussion, both within and beyond political circles, with supporters heralding the development and critics questioning the role of celebrities in electoral politics.
The timing of Davido’s political engagement comes on the heels of a broader realignment in Osun’s political terrain. Governor Adeleke, who won the 2022 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally resigned from the PDP earlier this month and joined the Accord Party, citing internal party crises and strategic expectations ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election. His move was publicly announced in Osogbo in early December, with Adeleke subsequently cleared as the sole Accord Party gubernatorial aspirant for the forthcoming poll.
Political analysts say Davido’s entry into party politics reflects a broader trend in Nigerian public life where influential cultural figures increasingly wield electoral and advocacy influence. As one of Nigeria’s most commercially successful and socially engaged artists, Davido boasts a massive youth following at home and abroad, and his move into politics is likely to energise voter engagement, particularly among younger demographics traditionally seen as ambivalent or disengaged.
For the Adeleke political circle, which faces the challenge of defending Osun against rivals across party lines, Davido’s alignment with Accord represents both a symbolic and practical boost. Observers say his presence could help solidify the governor’s support base, especially among urban youth, creative industry stakeholders and tech-savvy constituencies where digital engagement and celebrity endorsement carry substantial weight.
However, the development has not been without commentary. Some civil society voices caution against the conflation of entertainment prominence with political leadership, urging that celebrity participation should be accompanied by clear policy commitments and accountability to constituents. Meanwhile, supporters applaud Davido for stepping forward, suggesting that his involvement could help broaden political discourse and emphasise citizen-driven governance priorities.
Davido’s planned visit to Osun and formal enrollment in the Accord Party mark a significant pivot from his earlier public persona, which had primarily focused on music, philanthropy and social commentary. The move follows sustained public alignment with his uncle’s political journey: in the wake of Adeleke’s defection from the PDP, Davido publicly reposted his uncle’s resignation letter with a message of calm endorsement — a sign of unified family engagement in the state’s political future.
Critics of the PDP have, for months, pointed to internal factional crises within the party’s leadership as a key driver of recent defections by prominent figures in Osun and beyond. Adeleke’s defection and subsequent nomination as the Accord Party gubernatorial candidate emerged out of this broader context, with stakeholders and residents reportedly supportive of his rationale for embracing a new political platform that they say aligns with his governance style and welfare-focus ideology.
The implications of Davido’s political shift extend beyond Osun State. Nationally, his move highlights how popular culture influences political identity, particularly as Nigeria prepares for high-stakes elections that will shape governance and policy direction in the years ahead. Young voters, in particular, have demonstrated a heightened appetite for leaders who reflect their aspirations and everyday realities, and celebrities like Davido are increasingly seen as bridges to political participation and advocacy.
At the same time, seasoned political actors remain cautious, noting that celebrity support can be double-edged — energising certain segments of the electorate while polarising others. For Accord Party strategists, the challenge will be to harness Davido’s influence without allowing it to overshadow substantive policy debate or alienate traditional constituencies whose electoral choices are shaped by long-standing party loyalties and grassroots mobilisations.
As Davido prepares to collect his membership card and formally enter the political arena, all eyes will be on Osun State and how this unique fusion of music stardom and political ambition plays out in the run-up to the 2026 governorship election. Whether his decision will significantly alter the political calculus remains to be seen, but his announcement unquestionably marks a new chapter in the evolving dialogue between culture, leadership and civic engagement in Nigeria.
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