In a political move that has electrified the campaign trail in Edo State, international music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has thrown his weight behind Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 2024 Edo governorship elections.
The Afrobeats artiste took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, September 15, 2024, to announce the endorsement.
The singer posted a Nigerian newspaper cover featuring Ighodalo and captioned, “The next governor of my mother’s homeland.”
Ighodalo immediately expressed his appreciation in a tweet.
Though an indigene of Ede in Osun State, Davido’s mother hails from Edo, which adds a personal touch to the endorsement that has stirred conversations among political observers and fans alike on social media.
The timing of this endorsement could not be more strategic, as the election is set to take place in less than a week on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Davido’s post follows the arrival of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, in Benin City.
Adeleke was part of a delegation of PDP governors attending a major rally for Ighodalo, signalling the growing support for the PDP candidate from influential political figures nationwide.
This endorsement is poised to resonate with younger, often politically disengaged voters, a demographic Davido has successfully mobilised in the past. With millions of followers on social media, his influence can shift the narrative in a state where voter apathy has historically been a challenge.
Several recent polls, including those from BusinessDay and the African Polling Institute, already show Ighodalo leading his rivals by a significant margin. Davido’s backing could solidify his standing as the front-runner.
List of other celebrity endorsements:
Davido’s endorsement followed other celebrities such as Banky W and his wife, actress Adesua Etomi, actress Etinosa.
Another Nollywood actor and producer Charles Inojie; have publicly supported the PDP candidate, alongside influential business figures like Dr. Aloy Chife and former Nigerian Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Former Governors Liyel Imoke and Donald Duke of Cross River State have also been vocal in their backing, contributing to the momentum building around Ighodalo’s campaign.
While Ighodalo appears to be one of the frontrunners going into the elections, political analysts caution that the race will be fiercely contested.
The combination of celebrity endorsements and political heavyweights has given the PDP a boost, but the opposition is expected to mount a vigorous challenge. With election day rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on Edo State as the candidates make their final appeals to voters.
The question remains whether this surge in support, particularly from young voters galvanised by figures like Davido, will be enough to secure a decisive victory for the PDP in what is shaping up to be a pivotal contest for the future of Edo State.