Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to candidates in the August 15 Osun State governorship election to respect the will of the electorate and ensure the poll is conducted peacefully.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the singer, who is a nephew of Governor Ademola Adeleke, said no political ambition should be allowed to endanger lives or threaten the peace of the state.

He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to allow residents to vote freely without intimidation.

“Dear contestants in the Osun State governorship election, this is your opportunity to seek the mandate of the people, but political opportunities come and go. Whatever the outcome, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk.

“If they choose you, let your victory come through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected,” Davido said.

The singer also encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the election, stressing that every vote should count.

“No political ambition, disagreement or election is worth the life of any Osun son or daughter. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and destruction.

“To every eligible voter in Osun, come out and exercise your right to vote. Do not be afraid or intimidated. Your vote is your voice, and your choice must be respected,” he added.

Davido further appealed to the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to support peaceful and credible elections in Osun.

He said he had heard rumours of possible interference in the election but clarified that he was not presenting the claims as established facts.

“I have heard rumours suggesting there are moves to interfere in the Osun election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidate freely,” he said.

Davido also cited his personal ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, while urging all stakeholders to allow democracy to take its course.

He concluded by calling on residents to maintain peace before, during and after the election, regardless of the outcome.

“Politics is temporary, but Osun will remain. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life. Osun is ours, the future is ours, and let peace lead the way,” he said.