As election day dawned in the US on October 5, 2024, popular Nigerian artist Davido made a notable splash on social media platform X by sharing a photo of himself proudly displaying his ‘I voted’ sticker. His post marked a significant milestone, as he enthusiastically announced that he was participating in a democratic process for the first time ever, emphasizing the importance of exercising his civil rights as an American citizen.
However, the enthusiasm expressed in his post was met with considerable backlash from many Nigerians, who voiced their disappointment and skepticism regarding his political engagement. Critics accused him of failing to demonstrate similar vocal support for the Nigerian presidential elections that took place in 2023, leading to a fierce backlash online. Outraged fans flooded his comment section, calling out his past reluctance to vote in Nigeria and questioning his commitment to his roots.
“This guy is a hypocrite, you’ve never voted in any presidential election in Nigeria, but now you’re seeking validation from Americans,” a fan harshly criticized, underlining the perceived duplicity in Davido’s actions.
Another irate user on X lamented, “You fit vote for yankee presidential candidate buh you cant vote for Nigeria presidential candidates, una just useless for this so called yeyebrity… make yankee ppl dey support u if dem don dey banta u for Twitter like that.” The comment reflects the outrage many felt over what they perceived as Davido exploiting his fame in America while neglecting his responsibilities at home.
Because Davido proclaimed that he participated in voting for the first time, this revelation led to accusations of hypocrisy from his fans and numerous other users on X who believed he had not upheld similar values in Nigeria.
Social media personality Daniel Regha chastised Davido, writing, “Davido where was this energy during this Nigerian general election? U didn’t show proof of vote, didn’t show support to voters, or even bother to use ur platform to call on the INEC when there were reports of electoral malpractices across the country. But u are proud to vote in the US election? This is not the achievement u think it is.” This comment encapsulates the frustration many felt regarding the disparity in Davido’s engagement between the two electoral processes.
Another X user questioned, “In your entire life? Not even in Nigeria?” highlighting the disbelief surrounding Davido’s voting history and further amplifying the conversation about accountability among public figures.
**Interview with Dr. Olayinka Adewale, Political Analyst and Cultural Commentator**
**Host:** Good evening, everyone. Today, we have a special Alex Reed, Dr. Olayinka Adewale, who is here to discuss the recent controversy surrounding Nigerian superstar Davido’s participation in the US elections. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Adewale!
**Dr. Adewale:** Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here to discuss this important issue.
**Host:** So, Davido recently posted a picture of his ‘I voted’ sticker on social media after voting in the US elections. This was his first time voting, and he seemed very proud of it. However, many Nigerians were not pleased. What are your thoughts on this backlash?
**Dr. Adewale:** The backlash is rooted in a broader sentiment about accountability among public figures. Nigerians have high expectations of influential figures like Davido, and many feel he should be vocal about issues affecting the nation, especially during the presidential elections. His inaction during Nigeria’s own electoral process has led to accusations of hypocrisy, given his enthusiasm for participating in US democracy.
**Host:** That makes a lot of sense. Some critics argue that celebrities have a responsibility to engage with their home country’s political landscape. Do you believe this is a fair expectation?
**Dr. Adewale:** Absolutely. Celebrities wield significant influence, and their voices can mobilize public sentiment and encourage civic engagement. When they choose to remain silent on critical local issues, especially in a country like Nigeria that has faced numerous governance challenges, it can be disheartening for fans who look up to them. It’s essential for artists like Davido to recognize their impact and participate actively in the discussions concerning their homeland.
**Host:** Do you think Davido’s actions could lead to a broader conversation about political engagement among Nigerians in the diaspora?
**Dr. Adewale:** Definitely. This incident highlights the contrast between participating in the politics of one’s adopted country versus one’s country of origin. It could spark discussions within the Nigerian diaspora about the importance of remaining connected and involved in the issues back home, not only during elections but year-round.
**Host:** In light of this situation, what would you advise Davido and other celebrities regarding their roles in civic engagement?
**Dr. Adewale:** It’s vital for them to maintain a consistent presence in both their home and adopted countries. They should leverage their platforms to educate and engage their fans on political matters. Whether it’s promoting awareness about elections or advocating for social justice, their voices can inspire action and change.
**Host:** Thank you so much, Dr. Adewale, for sharing your insights on this matter. It’s certainly a complex issue that deserves ongoing discussion.
**Dr. Adewale:** Thank you for having me. I hope we can continue to encourage dialogue around these important topics.
**Host:** That’s it for our segment today. We’ll keep an eye on how celebrity engagement in politics evolves, both in Nigeria and abroad. Stay tuned for more updates!
