Osun Election: Davido’s Appeal to Trump Shows Lack of Trust in Federal Institutions — Sam Amadi

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has said Davido’s appeal to United States President Donald Trump over the conduct of the Osun State governorship election reflects a lack of trust in Nigeria’s federal institutions.

Amadi made the assertion on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, amid concerns over alleged violence and irregularities ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

Davido, whose uncle is the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, had called on Trump to pay attention to the forthcoming election, expressing concern over rising tensions and the possibility of violence, intimidation and disruption of the democratic process.

Reacting to the development, Amadi said the singer’s appeal to the US President was unusual but could be understood against the backdrop of concerns over the conduct of elections and the perceived effectiveness of Nigerian institutions.

According to him, the appeal raises questions about public confidence in federal institutions and the fairness of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Davido’s appeal to US President Donald Trump for help comes amid concerns over the conduct of the Osun State election.

“The move reflects a lack of trust in federal institutions and raises questions about the fairness of the election ahead of 2027,” Amadi said.

He added that while such an appeal would ordinarily be considered tragic or troubling, the perceived shortcomings of federal institutions could help explain why some Nigerians were turning to external actors.

“Ordinarily, it should be tragic and sad, but considering how the federal institutions have failed, at least to the perception of evenness, I think perhaps the extremity of it could be excused,” he said.