Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has alleged that soldiers are trying to stop him from entering Osun State on Saturday, 15 August, as voters take part in the governorship election.
He made the claim on Saturday on X. This came hours after the Nigeria Police Force announced a state-wide restriction on movement from midnight on Friday until 6:00 p.m. Saturday as part of security arrangements for the election.
The allegation has put Davido’s planned entry into Osun against a movement restriction already announced for all residents and visitors during voting.
Thousands of police personnel and other security agents have been deployed for the poll, making movement control part of the security arrangements.
Davido questions restriction as election security tightens
Davido wrote on X that he had been informed that soldiers were trying to prevent him from entering Osun. He said such an action would not be acceptable because Nigerians have the right to travel within the country.
The restriction applies during the governorship election and forms part of measures put in place by security agencies.
Davido is a nephew of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office. The singer has taken an active part in his uncle’s campaign under the Accord Party.
Governor Adeleke is facing Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and other candidates in the off-cycle election. The contest has therefore placed Davido in a visible position as a relative and campaign supporter of the incumbent governor.
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His post attracted substantial reaction online, with views divided over the reason for the reported obstruction.
Some users pointed to the election-day restriction as the possible reason for security checks affecting his travel. Others questioned whether the singer could face special treatment because of his public support for the governor.
Nonetheless, Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, rejected Davido’s presentation of the situation. Ahmad said the movement restriction had already been announced by security agencies.
He said the restriction applies to movement in and around Osun from midnight until 6:00 p.m. on election day. He also said such restrictions are a normal security measure during elections and are not peculiar to Osun.
Ahmad further stated that freedom of movement does not remove the need to obey lawful security measures put in place for a peaceful and credible election.
The Osun poll is taking place under a security arrangement that includes thousands of police personnel and other security agents. The restriction on movement is part of that arrangement and covers the period in which voting is taking place.
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