Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, Hope Uzodinma, has clarified that popular singer, David Adeleke, remains “his son” despite recent political tensions surrounding the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Uzodinma, who also chairs the APC Osun Governorship Campaign Council, said he is not a registered voter in Osun State and is only participating in the electioneering process to support the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
The governor made the clarification in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, on Friday.
His reaction followed comments reportedly made by Ambrose Nwogwugwu, who criticised Davido after the singer appealed for a peaceful conduct of the August 15 governorship election.
Davido, a nephew of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, had urged Uzodinma to ensure that the election is free, fair and peaceful.
However, Uzodinma distanced himself from the remarks credited to Nwogwugwu, stressing that he neither authorised him nor any other individual to speak on his behalf.
“The comments are personal opinions and do not represent my position or that of the APC governorship campaign council,” the governor said.
Reaffirming his relationship with the award winning musician, Uzodinma stated: “Davido remains my son. His coming to Osun for the exercise is solely because he is a committed member of the APC and not one of the voters in the state’s governorship election.”
The governor maintained that the APC remains committed to a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process in Osun State.
He added that it is common in democratic systems for party leaders and members to campaign for candidates in states where they are not registered voters.
Uzodinma urged Davido, residents of Osun State and the general public to disregard the comments attributed to Nwogwugwu, noting that the clarification became necessary to prevent any misunderstanding ahead of the governorship election.
I didnt authorise Nwogwugwu, Davido remains my son – Gov Uzodinma distances self from critics