Davido, Governor Adeleke Visit President Tinubu at Lagos Residence

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a high-profile delegation at his Lagos residence. Among the visitors were Osun State Governor Adeleke, his elder brother Chief Adedeji Adeleke, and global Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido. The visit, described as a courtesy call, was a moment of camaraderie between the Adeleke family and the Nigerian president.

During the visit, Davido, taking a leading role in introductions, presented his father and uncle to President Tinubu as “loyal members” of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This remark, though brief, immediately set off waves of political speculation, particularly given Governor Adeleke’s membership in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The encounter was warm and informal, underscoring both the personal rapport and political undertones surrounding the meeting.

Speculations Around Governor Adeleke Defection Intensify

The presence of Governor Adeleke—an elected PDP governor—at a private meeting with the APC leader has fueled rumors of a possible defection ahead of the 2026 Osun gubernatorial elections. Observers believe the visit could signal Governor Adeleke’s interest in aligning with the ruling party to strengthen his re-election prospects. His introduction as an APC loyalist, though likely tongue-in-cheek by Davido, has added fuel to this narrative.

Nonetheless, Governor Adeleke has moved quickly to dispel the speculations. In a public statement released shortly after the visit, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, insisting that his visit to President Tinubu was strictly personal and not politically motivated. “There are deep familial and national ties at play,” a spokesperson for the Governor Adeleke stated. “This is not about party allegiance—it’s about respect and engagement.”

Davido’s Deepening Ties with Nigeria’s Political Elite

Tuesday’s Lagos meeting is not the first time Davido has engaged with Nigeria’s political elite. The artist, known for his global musical achievements, has increasingly positioned himself as a key figure in Nigeria’s socio-political circles. Prior to the Lagos engagement, Davido had visited President Tinubu in Abuja, accompanied by socialite Cubana Chief Priest and talent manager Ubi Franklin.

During the Aso Villa visit, the trio expressed support for Tinubu and the APC. Davido referred to his companions as members of the party, while Ubi Franklin reminded the president of his contributions to the 2023 campaign. “I travelled to 15 states with you, sir,” Franklin said. Tinubu responded affirmatively, noting, “We succeeded and made it to the presidency.” Cubana Chief Priest added confidently, “We will succeed again in 2027.”

Implications for Osun State Political Landscape

The governor Adeleke’s visit, while potentially personal, is significant in the context of Osun State politics. The state remains politically volatile, with a history of closely contested elections between the APC and PDP. Governor Adeleke’s 2022 victory was narrow and hard-fought, and speculation about his political future is already heating up.

If indeed Governor Adeleke is exploring a shift to the APC, it could dramatically reshape the balance of power in Osun and potentially influence political alignments in the Southwest region. Political analysts say such moves highlight the fluidity of Nigeria’s political structure, where personal relationships and strategic interests often transcend party lines.

National Reactions and the Road to 2027

Reactions to the Lagos meeting have been mixed. Supporters of President Tinubu view the visit as a testament to the president’s wide-reaching influence and ability to build bridges across party lines. Critics within the PDP, however, have expressed concerns about party loyalty and the integrity of the opposition’s leadership.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, engagements like these may become more common. For Davido, his growing presence in the political space signals a merging of celebrity influence with governance. For Governor Adeleke, it raises critical questions about where his future political loyalties lie. Either way, the meeting at Tinubu’s Lagos residence may prove to be a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s evolving political narrative.