Nigerian teenagers have been charged to emulate Afrobeat musician, David Adedeji Adeleke, widely known as Davido, and get involved in protecting their vote ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Apostle Eugene Ogu, the former National Security Director of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said yesterday in Port Harcourt, that the involvement of Davido in the governorship election in Osun State on August 15 was a bold statement of the involvement of youth in Nigeria’s democracy. Daily Independent reports.
Ogu said the election outcome had raised fears that Davido could be victimised for backing his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was proclaimed victor of the race.
The priest specifically questioned the accusations that the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote contacted the music artist and urged him to take down a social media post during the election. The Executive Branch
Ogu said the alleged calls were important because of the influence and political weight of the persons involved, warning that nothing should happen to Davido or any other young Nigerian who opts to participate fully in the democratic process.
He also asked for investigation into the suspected involvement of some strong persons in the Osun election.
He said the tenacity of Osun voters and Davido’s public involvement showed that Nigerian youths could no longer be passive in the nation’s electoral affairs.
“In the 2027 general elections, Nigeria’s neck is about to be freed from the knees of corrupt political leaders. At this juncture I must warn that nothing will happen to Davido and other celebrities who may emerge heroes in Nigeria in 2027,’ he stated.
Speaking on the extent of poverty in the country, Ogu said: “The situation in Nigeria today is like that of biblical Samaria where hunger was so much that people did desperate things.
Youth Organisations and Resources
He said the economic hardship has led to the upsurge in kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and prostitution, and expressed concern over the pressures young people face in the universities and homes.
He said the circumstance has challenged Nigerians, especially the youths, to use the power of their ballots to demand responsibility and change.
Ogu, therefore, urged the younger Nigerians to come out in their large numbers in 2027, to vote their conscience, protect their vote and be watchful during the collation process until results are finally 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 invading Osun with billions to pervert the election result against the electoral law. But they were annoyed by the strength of the Osun people and Davido. “They are my heroes,” he remarked.
He said the practice of using food items, cash and other inducements to influence votes had degraded the dignity of Nigerians and led to the ongoing rise of leaders who he said had failed to address the increasing socioeconomic situation in the country.
“But the Osun people have given Nigerians a template and we must follow it through in 2027,” he remarked.
He however appealed to Nigerians to vote not solely on tribe or religion but to unite across religious and ethnic lines and vote for candidates based on their competence, character and ability to deliver good administration.
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