In a political move that has electrified the campaign trail, award-winning musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has thrown his weight behind Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming Edo governorship elections.

The Afrobeats artiste took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, September 15, 2024, to announce the endorsement.

The singer posted a Nigerian newspaper cover featuring Ighodalo and captioned, “The next governor of my mother’s homeland.”

Though an indigene of Ede in Osun State, Davido’s mother hails from Edo, which adds a personal touch to the endorsement that has stirred conversations among political observers and fans alike on social media.

The timing of this endorsement could not be more strategic, as the election is set to take place in less than a week on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Davido’s post follows the arrival of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, in Benin City.

Adeleke was part of a delegation of PDP governors attending a major rally for Ighodalo, signalling the growing support for the PDP candidate from influential political figures nationwide.

This endorsement is poised to resonate with younger, often politically disengaged voters, a demographic Davido has successfully mobilised in the past. With millions of followers on social media, his influence can shift the narrative in a state where voter apathy has historically been a challenge.

Several recent polls, including those from BusinessDay and the African Polling Institute, already show Ighodalo leading his rivals by a significant margin. Davido’s backing could solidify his standing as the front-runner.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says he never declared that he would accept to be a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

On Wednesday, Obi spoke in an interview with News Central Television.

The former governor of Anambra was quoted by some reports as saying he would consider a vice-presidential role if he found a candidate who could perform better than him.

Reacting to the claim in a post on his X page on Saturday, Obi alleged that “some fifth columnists resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.”

The former Anambra governor said he was surprised by the misrepresentation of his statement, adding that he is not desperate to be president, but determined to make Nigeria work.

“I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV,” Obi said.

“In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail.

“However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

“Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record: I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

“When I was asked about collaboration, I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture.

“I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.

“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions. As I have always maintained, I am not desperate to become president, but I am determined to see Nigeria work.

“Likewise, I am not desperate for any position at all as I believe I can make contributions as I am already doing without occupying any. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.

“I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.

“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words.

“For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal. I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria.

“My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi has suspended Dino Melaye, former governorship candidate in the state, over alleged anti-party activities.

Melaye was suspended by the PDP executive committee in Ayetoro Gbede, ward 1, Ijumu LGA of the state.

In a memo dated September 12, the ward executive committee claimed that Melaye was summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee in August over allegations of misconduct, but shunned the invitation.

“The Ward Party Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ayetoro/lluagba ward 1 met on Friday the 12th of September 2024 to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against Senator Dino Melaye, a member of our great party,” the memo reads.

“However, he failed to show up, disregarding the invitation and the authority of the party.

“After careful consideration and deliberation, the Ward Party Exco resolved as follows: That Senator Dino Melaye’s failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee constitutes a gross disrespect to the party and its leadership.

“That his actions are in clear violation of the PDP Constitution and the principles of party discipline.

“That Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party, and his continued membership is no longer tenable.

“Therefore, the Ward Party Exco hereby suspends Senator Dino Melaye from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.”

The PDP executive committee said the suspension is “in line with the provisions of Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution which empowers the Ward Party Exco to take disciplinary actions against erring members”.

In August, Melaye accused Umar Damagum, acting national chair of the PDP, of destroying the party.

Melaye also claimed that Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary of the PDP, and Umar Bature, national organising secretary, are leading the party to ruin.