Davido backs PDP’s Asue Ighodalo for Edo governor, energizes youth vote

Award-winning musician David Adeleke, known as Davido, has endorsed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo for the Edo governorship election, set for September 21, 2024.

Announcing his support on Instagram, Davido posted a Thisday newspaper cover featuring Ighodalo, captioning it “The next governor of my mother’s homeland.” The personal connection comes as Davido’s mother hails from Edo State, lending emotional weight to the endorsement.

Davido’s backing arrives as his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, joined other PDP governors at Ighodalo’s final campaign rally in Benin City, reinforcing the party’s push.

The endorsement is seen as strategic, particularly in mobilizing younger voters, a demographic Davido has engaged in past political efforts.

This endorsement is poised to resonate with younger, often politically disengaged voters, a demographic Davido has successfully mobilized in the past.

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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 showed Dr. Ighodalo leading his rivals by a significant margin, and Davido’s backing could solidify his standing as the front-runner.

Davido’s endorsement adds to a growing list of high-profile figures voicing their support for Dr. Ighodalo.

Celebrities such as Banky W and his wife, actress Adesua Etomi, actress Etinosa; Nollywood actor and producer Charles Onojie have all publicly declared their support for the PDP candidate, alongside influential business figures like Dr. Aloy Chife and former Nigerian Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Former governors Liyel Imoke and Donald Duke of Cross River State have also been vocal in their backing, contributing to the momentum building around Ighodalo’s campaign.

While Ighodalo appears to be the favorite going into the elections, political analysts caution that the race will be fiercely contested. The combination of celebrity endorsements and political heavyweights has given the PDP a boost, but the opposition is expected to mount a vigorous challenge.

With election day rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on Edo State as the candidates make their final appeals to voters.

The question remains whether this surge in support, particularly from young voters galvanized by figures like Davido, will be enough to secure a decisive victory for the PDP in what is shaping up to be a pivotal contest for the future of Edo State.

Ighodalo, already leading in recent polls, has also gained support from celebrities like Banky W and Adesua Etomi, alongside prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Liyel Imoke and Donald Duke.

Analysts, however, caution that despite the momentum, the race is expected to be fiercely contested. The outcome will determine whether these endorsements, especially Davido’s youth appeal, can tip the scales in Ighodalo’s favor.