Peter Obi commends Davido’s World Cup protest gesture highlighting Nigeria’s security crisis

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has commended Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for what he described as a powerful act of patriotism after the singer used his appearance at a FIFA World Cup 2026™ pre-tournament concert to draw global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges.

In a statement shared via his official social media channels on Monday, June 15, 2026, Obi said Davido’s message went beyond entertainment, arguing that it represented a form of civic advocacy that highlighted the urgency of addressing mass abductions and insecurity across the country.

Davido’s gesture came during a high-profile performance at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on June 10, where he wore a customised outfit designed to honour victims of a recent mass kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. More than 40 students and teachers were reportedly abducted on May 15 by armed assailants.

The singer’s outfit, styled by celebrity designer Hollyandroo, featured a black leather jacket with the inscription “BRING THEM HOME” across the back, alongside multiple pins bearing the names of victims. The design included colour-coded markings used to distinguish between those still in captivity and those confirmed deceased, alongside symbolic elements referencing peace and remembrance.

Before his performance, Davido expressed grief over the situation, noting the emotional toll of ongoing insecurity and the slow pace of rescue efforts. “Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and the ones who have been killed,” he said backstage. “They still haven’t been rescued… My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go.”

Reacting to the gesture, Obi said the performance underscored a broader national crisis that requires urgent attention, adding that Nigerian talents continuing to excel on global stages often do so despite systemic failures at home.

He also referenced the country’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, contrasting it with the global success of Nigerian entertainers and athletes representing other nations, and arguing that the situation reflects deeper structural deficiencies in youth development and governance.

“Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation,” Obi said. “By utilising his international platform, he highlighted the plight of abducted schoolchildren and called attention to a crisis that demands urgent action.”

The endorsement has further amplified public discussion around the Oyo school abductions, increasing pressure on authorities to intensify rescue operations and address rising insecurity affecting schools and rural communities across the country.