Key Takeaways
- Apostle Eugene Ogu urges Nigerian youths to emulate Davido's civic engagement in the Osun governorship election.
- He warns against possible victimization of the Afrobeat star for supporting his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke.
- Ogu questions reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and businessman Aliko Dangote contacted Davido during the poll.
- He links economic hardship to rising crime and calls for active youth participation in the 2027 general elections.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — As the 2027 general elections draw near, Apostle Eugene Ogu, former National Security Director of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has called on Nigerian youths to emulate the civic engagement demonstrated by Afrobeat music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, during the recent Osun State governorship election.
Ogu, who spoke in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, reflected on the August 15 poll and expressed concern over potential victimization of Davido due to his outspoken support for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who emerged victorious. He commended the musician for his courage and active participation in the electoral process, urging relevant authorities and all Nigerians to guarantee his safety.
Questions Over High-Profile Contacts
The cleric also questioned reports that prominent Nigerians, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and business magnate Aliko Dangote, had reached out to Davido during the election, reportedly urging him to pull down a social media post. Ogu argued that calls from individuals of such stature could have far-reaching implications, and he called on Nigerians and the international community to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding those alleged contacts, as well as Dangote's reported connection with the Osun election.
According to Ogu, the participation of Osun voters and the role played by Davido demonstrated that Nigerians could resist attempts to manipulate elections. He said the development offered hope ahead of the 2027 general elections, but warned against any action that could threaten Davido or other celebrities who might become prominent voices in the electoral process.
Economic Hardship and Insecurity
Ogu also decried the worsening economic hardship in the country, comparing the situation to biblical Samaria, where severe hunger led to desperate acts. He alleged that economic difficulties had pushed some young Nigerians into kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery, while forcing some women into prostitution as a means of survival. He further expressed concern over alleged sexual exploitation in tertiary institutions and increasing cases of suicide, which he attributed to economic hardships and the inability to meet family responsibilities.
He urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in the 2027 elections by voting, protecting their ballots and following the collation process until final results are announced.
"It was so embarrassing to see the Senate President, who is supposed to be the custodian of the law, with about 19 APC governors and political thugs invade Osun with billions to pervert the election result against the electoral law. But they were frustrated by the resilience of Osun people and Davido. They are my heroes," Ogu stated.
Ogu condemned the use of food items and monetary inducements to influence voters, saying such practices had contributed to the deterioration of living conditions in the country. He cautioned Nigerians against allowing religious and ethnic sentiments to dictate their voting decisions, urging them to support candidates based on competence and integrity.
Why This Matters
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the intersection of celebrity influence, youth engagement and electoral integrity carries profound implications for the nation's democratic future. Ogu's warnings underscore the need to protect civic voices and resist manipulation, reminding citizens that their collective vigilance can shape a more credible electoral process.