Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has alleged that soldiers are attempting to prevent him from entering Osun State as voters across the state cast their ballots in Saturday’s governorship election.

The singer raised the alarm in the early hours of Saturday through his verified X account, saying he had received information that soldiers were planning to stop him from gaining access to the state.

Davido wrote that he would not accept any attempt to prevent him from entering Osun, insisting that Nigerians have a constitutional right to move freely.

His allegation comes against the backdrop of heightened security operations across Osun as the state holds its closely contested off-cycle governorship election.

Davido insists on entering Osun

The singer’s statement came after he had reportedly travelled outside Nigeria for a concert and indicated that he intended to return to Osun in time for the election.

In a separate update, Davido reportedly said he had boarded a private jet and expected to be in the state before 7am on Saturday.

His planned arrival has attracted attention because of his prominent role in the campaign of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office.

Davido has been one of the most visible celebrity supporters of Adeleke and has repeatedly used his social media platforms to comment on developments surrounding the election.

The latest allegation therefore adds to the already tense political atmosphere surrounding the poll, with the singer suggesting that the reported attempt to stop him could amount to an infringement on his right to movement.

Police impose statewide movement restriction

However, Davido’s allegation came shortly after the Nigeria Police Force announced a restriction of movement throughout Osun State as part of security measures for the election.

The restriction commenced at 12 midnight on Friday, August 14, and is scheduled to remain in force until 6pm on Saturday, August 15.

The police urged residents and other members of the public to comply with the directive and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.

The Force also reiterated its prohibition on the involvement of non-state security actors, including groups such as Amotekun, in election-related security operations.

The movement restriction is intended to limit unnecessary movement during the voting period and reduce the possibility of clashes, intimidation, disruption of polling activities and other security threats.

The restriction has also provided the basis for some reactions to Davido’s complaint, with critics arguing that his status as a prominent entertainer and political supporter does not automatically exempt him from election-day security measures.

Bashir Ahmad dismisses Davido’s claim

Former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad reacted to Davido’s allegation, describing the singer as “dramatic”.

Ahmad argued that security agencies had already publicly announced restrictions on movement across Osun as part of the arrangements for the election.

According to him, the restriction is a general measure applicable during the election period and is not targeted at Davido.

He maintained that the right to freedom of movement does not mean that citizens can disregard lawful security measures introduced to protect lives and property during an election.

Ahmad’s reaction has added another dimension to the controversy, with the debate shifting between Davido’s alleged treatment by security personnel and the legality of the broader movement restriction imposed across the state.

Singer’s political role draws attention

Davido’s involvement in the Osun election has been particularly prominent because of his relationship with the incumbent governor.

Governor Ademola Adeleke is Davido’s uncle and is seeking re-election in the contest.

Adeleke is facing Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and other candidates in the election.

Davido has openly campaigned for his uncle and has been outspoken about issues surrounding the election, including security and the credibility of the electoral process.

In recent days, the singer also raised concerns about the conduct of the election and appealed for international attention to the poll, including calling on United States President Donald Trump to monitor developments in Osun.

His interventions have generated both support and criticism, with supporters describing his activism as an attempt to protect the integrity of the election, while critics accuse him of using his celebrity status to influence political discourse.

Security heightened as voting begins

The controversy over Davido’s alleged restriction comes as security agencies maintain a heavy presence across Osun.

Authorities have announced extensive security preparations for the election, with police and other security personnel deployed to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.

The security measures are aimed at preventing violence and ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without intimidation.

The Osun election has attracted considerable attention because of the tight political contest involving the incumbent governor and major opposition candidates.

With the movement restriction in effect, security personnel are expected to maintain checkpoints and enforce the directives throughout the state until the scheduled end of the restriction at 6pm.

Davido’s allegation has consequently raised questions over whether his reported difficulty in entering the state is connected to the general election-day restriction or whether he is being subjected to a specific security directive.

As of the time of reporting, Davido’s claim remained an allegation, and no independent confirmation had established that soldiers had specifically ordered him to stay out of Osun.

The development nevertheless comes at a sensitive moment, as voters begin deciding who will govern the state for the next four years.