Why I won’t run for political office — Davido

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has categorically ruled out running for public office in the future, citing deep-seated systemic flaws, high political stress, and risks of electoral manipulation in Nigeria.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on News Central TV on Tuesday, the award-winning musician reflected on his intense digital advocacy during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election and explained why he has no interest in pursuing a political career.

When asked if his active political involvement during the Osun election signalled a transition into politics, Davido dismissed the idea, pointing out the frustration of competing in a flawed electoral framework.

“With this system? I mean, my own vexing… no be me dey run, see as I dey tweet. I can’t even do this with this system, the high blood pressure that… How can you wake up in the morning knowing that the people want you, and you can get rigged out? It cannot happen anywhere else in the world,” he stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to his primary profession, the music star emphasised that while non-politicians can achieve political success globally, his focus remains strictly on music.

“I’m comfortable in my current… My job? Or why am I famous? Music, yeah. I defeated 17 governors with all their power, with all their immunity, with all their escort commander, with all their DSS, with all their billions. I defeated them with what? Just a phone, “Davido asserted.

Addressing public expectations and social media pressure following his uncle Governor Ademola Adeleke’s successful re-election, Davido clarified that he will not be pressured into taking sides in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

For now, I feel like I did what I had to do for the Osun people and for my family. The next day, a lot of people were tweeting at me, trying to rage-bait me. ‘Make sure you do this for the president.’ You can’t come and tell me what to do. You can’t force me to have a presidential candidate. Personally, I don’t want to be involved in it,” he said

He further noted that while his uncle may maintain political and administrative ties with the Federal Government for the benefit of Osun State, those decisions do not influence his independent stance.

“My uncle might have his personal reasons for the gain of the state. I’m sure a governor being in good terms with the president… maybe more allocation. But that’s for the governor to decide. He’s been re-elected,” Davido added.

News report that Davido has disclosed that he currently has no preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, firmly ruling out any alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress.