Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has alleged that soldiers are attempting to prevent him from entering Osun State as voters head to the polls for the governorship election.
Davido made the allegation early Saturday in a post on his verified X account, hours before voting began across the state.The singer said he had been informed that soldiers were trying to stop him from entering Osun. He insisted that, as a Nigerian citizen, he had the right to move freely within the country.
The allegation came as security agencies stepped up operations across Osun ahead of the election. The Nigeria Police Force had announced a restriction of movement throughout the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, until 6pm on Saturday, August 15.
The movement restriction was introduced as part of measures to maintain security during the governorship election and prevent incidents that could disrupt voting.
Davido’s claim has attracted attention because of his close relationship with the state’s political leadership. He is a nephew of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
The singer has also openly supported his uncle’s political activities, making his alleged attempt to enter the state particularly significant on election day.
However, Davido did not identify the soldiers allegedly trying to stop him or disclose where the incident was taking place. He also did not provide details of whether the restriction was linked directly to the police-imposed movement ban.
The allegation comes amid heightened political tension in Osun. The election is being contested by Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, alongside candidates from other political parties.
The poll has already been affected by allegations of vote-buying and concerns over security. The APC and Accord camps have accused each other of attempting to influence voters with cash and other inducements.
Security agencies have deployed personnel across the state as authorities seek to prevent violence and ensure that voters can cast their ballots.
Davido’s allegation therefore adds another layer to concerns surrounding the conduct of the election, particularly over how security measures are being enforced.
At the time of the report, there was no response from the Nigerian Army confirming or denying Davido’s claim that soldiers were attempting to prevent him from entering Osun.
The situation also highlights the tension between the need for strict security measures during elections and citizens’ rights to freedom of movement.
As voting continues, attention will remain on the conduct of security personnel, the safety of voters and political actors, and whether the election proceeds peacefully across the state.
