Nigerian music superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has voiced his disagreement with the recent police advisory asking voters to return home immediately after casting their ballots in the ongoing Edo State gubernatorial election.
The directive came from Frank Mba, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of election security, who, during an interview on Channels Television, urged voters to perform their civic duty by voting and then heading home immediately. The Police also imposed restrictions on vehicular movement across the state from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the election day to maintain order. Mba was quoted saying, If you’re not accredited to participate in the election, you shouldn’t be out on the streets. Cast your vote and return home; it’s your civic duty.
Reacting to this, Davido, who has shown support for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), expressed a contrasting view. The artist took to social media, suggesting that voters should stay at polling units until their votes are counted to ensure transparency and prevent electoral malpractice. His tweet, which quickly gained traction, read, highlighting his belief that voters should remain vigilant.
Davido’s connection to the Edo election runs deeper, as his mother hails from the state. He has openly endorsed the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo. In a recent Instagram post, he showed his full support by stating, The next Governor of my Mother’s Homeland
As the election continues, Davido’s call for voters to stay put at polling units may resonate with many who share concerns over electoral transparency and security.