Manny Ita –
Global music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been officially appointed as the Head of Youth Mobilisation for the re-election campaign of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. The announcement, made via the artist’s social media platforms earlier this week, confirms his high-level placement within the campaign council of the Accord Party, the platform under which the Governor is seeking a second term.
Davido confirmed the appointment with an enthusiastic post directed at his millions of followers, pledging his full support for the upcoming electoral cycle with the slogan “4+4,” signaling a push for another four-year tenure. This move marks a significant transition for the singer from a supporting family member to a formal political operative within a major campaign structure.
The appointment comes as political activities intensify ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election in Osun State. Governor Adeleke’s strategic shift from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party in late 2025 has led to a major realignment of political forces in the state. By bringing in Davido—who has a social media following exceeding 50 million—the campaign aims to target the youth demographic, which constitutes over 70% of Nigeria’s registered voters.
Reactions to the appointment have been swift and varied across the political landscape. Supporters argue that Davido’s global influence and proven ability to galvanize young people will provide an unprecedented boost to grassroots engagement. During the 2022 election cycle, the singer was instrumental in mobilizing voters and publicly advocating for electoral transparency.
However, some critics and political analysts have expressed concerns over the “celebrification” of governance, questioning whether massive social media engagement can translate into effective political mobilization and long-term voter turnout. Opposition figures have also characterized the move as an attempt to use entertainment to distract from core governance issues.
This is not Davido’s first official role in the state; in October 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund. His new role as youth mobilizer is expected to be a cornerstone of the Accord Party’s strategy to bridge the gap between young voters and the state’s executive leadership as the 2026 polls approach.
