Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has started a conversation about Nigeria’s political priorities after commenting on the large number of politicians who reportedly travelled to Osun State during the governorship election.
During a press conference, Davido said about 17 APC governors and more than 50 senators were around the state during the election period. The claim immediately raised eyebrows and left many people asking the same question: how did so many senior politicians suddenly find the time to gather in one state?
There is nothing unusual about politicians supporting their parties during elections. Campaigns are an important part of democracy, and political leaders are expected to mobilize supporters and work for their candidates. But Davido’s comments touched on something deeper the difference between the energy politicians show during elections and what Nigerians often experience after elections are over.
Across the country, citizens continue to deal with problems that cannot be solved at campaign rallies. Insecurity remains a concern in many communities, while poor roads, unreliable electricity, struggling hospitals and overcrowded schools continue to affect millions of people.
For many Nigerians, the contrast can be frustrating. When an election arrives, political leaders can travel across the country, attend rallies, hold meetings and mobilise supporters. Yet when communities are dealing with insecurity, poverty or failing infrastructure, citizens sometimes feel that the same urgency is missing.
Davido’s involvement in Osun politics is not new. He has openly supported his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, who became governor of Osun State after defeating the then-incumbent Gboyega Oyetola in the 2022 governorship election. The singer has remained one of the most visible entertainers involved in Nigerian political discussions.
Osun has also become an important political battleground because of its significance to both major political parties. The state has witnessed closely contested elections over the years, making every governorship contest a major national political event.
Still, the larger issue raised by Davido goes beyond Osun or any particular political party.
Nigerians want to know whether the determination displayed during election season can also be seen in the day-to-day running of government. They want leaders who are just as passionate about protecting communities as they are about winning votes.
Imagine if the same number of governors and senators who can mobilise around an election could come together to demand practical solutions to insecurity. Imagine that same political energy being directed toward fixing roads, improving hospitals, strengthening schools or creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
That is where the frustration lies.
Elections may determine who gets political power, but good governance determines what happens to citizens after the election is over.
Davido’s comments have therefore opened up a conversation that goes beyond party politics. They have highlighted a question many Nigerians have asked privately for years: why does politics seem to receive extraordinary attention when votes are at stake, while the everyday problems facing citizens sometimes struggle to receive the same urgency?
For a country with Nigeria’s population, resources and potential, the challenge is not simply getting politicians to show up during elections. The bigger challenge is getting them to remain equally committed when the cameras are gone, the rallies have ended and ordinary Nigerians are waiting for government to work.
