The Presidency has said Afrobeat singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, would not have been able to make the statements he posted on social media during the Osun State governorship election in countries such as Rwanda or Ethiopia.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stated this during an interview with Symfoni TV while reacting to Davido’s activities on social media during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Ajayi accused the singer of using his social media platforms to campaign for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who won the election, while making what he described as reckless claims capable of undermining democratic processes.
According to the presidential aide, Davido was not merely expressing concern for the people of Osun State but was actively involved in the election campaign and worked to ensure his uncle’s victory.
He said Davido’s posts and activities during the election were partisan, noting that the singer was a member of the campaign structure.
Ajayi, however, acknowledged that Nigeria’s democratic system guarantees freedom of speech, allowing citizens to express their views on social media.
He argued that such freedom comes with responsibility, warning that individuals should not make unsubstantiated claims capable of inciting the public or triggering violence.
“Davido can’t dare say or tweet all of those things in countries like Rwanda or Ethiopia. He will be picked up to come and provide evidence. You don’t make reckless claims that you don’t have evidence of. These things are capable of inciting the public into violence,” Ajayi said.