Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has described Afrobeats star Davido as “my son” while distancing himself from critical remarks made by an aide after the singer appealed for a peaceful and credible Osun governorship election.

Uzodimma said he neither authorised the response nor supports the comments, stressing that they represented the aide’s personal opinion.

Uzodimma Disowns Aide’s Comments

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 6/7, 2026, by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor said Ambrose Nwogwugwu’s response did not represent his position or that of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council, which he chairs.

Nwogwugwu had earlier described Davido’s appeal as “emotional blackmail” and suggested that the singer should prepare for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, to leave office after the August 15 election.

The aide also made a pointed suggestion that Davido could employ Adeleke as a dancer if the governor loses the election.

‘Davido Remains My Son’

Uzodimma, however, sought to separate himself from the remarks, reaffirming his relationship with the singer through Davido’s marriage to Chioma, who is from Imo State.

“Davido remains my son,” the governor said.

He stressed that his personal respect for the singer and the people of Osun State remained intact.

Uzodimma Clarifies His Role

The governor also clarified that Davido is not a registered voter in Osun State and said his presence in the state does not give him voting rights.

Uzodimma said his own involvement in the election is based on his position as an APC leader and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, as well as his support for the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

He maintained that campaigning for a party candidate and monitoring an election are legitimate activities in a democracy, regardless of whether the individual is a resident or voter in the state.

Davido Had Called for Peace

Davido had earlier appealed to Uzodimma to use his influence to ensure that the Osun election remained peaceful, free and fair.

The singer, who is supporting his uncle Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, referred to rumours of possible interference but stressed that he could not confirm the claims.

Uzodimma reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to a peaceful and credible election while urging Davido, Osun residents and the public to disregard his aide’s earlier comments.

The clarification comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, with Adeleke seeking a second term against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.