LAGOS, Nigeria — Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has denied belonging to any political group after social media users criticised him over comments in which he urged entertainers to speak more openly about Nigeria’s worsening social and economic conditions.
The singer made the clarification on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after a post on his X account drew mixed reactions from users who questioned his sincerity because of his friendship with Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
Davido had earlier said Nigerian entertainers, including himself, had not done enough to use their platforms to address issues affecting citizens.
“I can’t lie, we entertainers… we dey fuck up, I won’t lie, including me. We need to speak up. It’s too much injustice going on. Our country don go,” he wrote.
His remarks were welcomed by some users who said he was right to speak about insecurity, hardship and injustice. Others accused him of being selective in his criticism because of his perceived closeness to people linked to the presidency.
One X user, identified as #princessluna237, accused the singer of performative concern and referenced what the user described as a “City Boys group chat.”
“Na God go punish you and your family. Go and do that performative rubbish in your City Boys group chat and get tf out of my face with all this pretentious nonsense. Na foolish Nigerians I blame,” the user wrote.
Davido rejected the claim, saying he was not part of any such political association.
“I no dey part of any city boy group,” he replied.
Singer Cites Past Criticism
Davido also said he had previously been attacked for discussing Nigeria’s problems in interviews with foreign media organisations.
“When I called out the government on American media, you guys rained curses on me,” he added.
The singer said his friendship with Seyi Tinubu should not be interpreted as political loyalty or silence on national issues. He described the relationship as long-standing and personal.
“I’ve been friends with ST for years and that’s where it stops, and I call and complain to him all the time, even in person,” he wrote.
Celebrities Speak on National Issues
Davido’s comments came as more Nigerian entertainers and public figures have used their platforms to speak about the country’s challenges and call for urgent government action.
British-Nigerian rapper Skepta recently criticised President Tinubu and appealed to the international community to stand with Nigerians affected by the crisis.
Davido has also recently spoken about his involvement in politics through the campaign of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The singer said he was taking a break from music to support Adeleke’s re-election campaign. In April, he was appointed head of youth mobilisation for the Accord Party’s campaign council after Adeleke left the Peoples Democratic Party.
