Afrobeats star David Adeleke, known as Davido, and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad had a heated exchange on social media on Thursday. Their argument started on X due to the issues surrounding the Osun governorship election on August 15.
They criticized each other about their political influence, election credibility, and Grammy nominations.
The argument started when Davido reacted to a post by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. Mr Onanuga shared news about President Bola Tinubu’s call to Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle. The president informed the governor that he had ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to lift the freeze on the state government’s account.
Davido seemed excited about the call. He implied he was present during the conversation. He tweeted, “I was there live! I witnessed history!!!” His tweet included the Nigerian flag and laughter emojis.
In response, Mr Ahmad, who worked as a Special Assistant on Digital Communications for the late President Muhammadu Buhari, predicted that Davido would complain if the election results did not favor his candidate. “This tweet is bookmarked. It will serve as a reference for future events. I know you will come back here to lament if the August 15 results don’t go your way,” he tweeted.
This comment sparked a series of exchanges between the two. The argument quickly escalated beyond the Osun account issue. Both men took jabs at each other's careers and achievements.
Davido raised concerns about potential election rigging. He said, “Of course, because the same way you clowns can call the INEC Chairman to write Election results… guy free me my own no good.” He then reminded Ahmad of his loss in an All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Kano State last year.
In that election, Mr Ahmad got only 16 votes compared to the winner's 106 in the House of Representatives race for Gaya/Ajingi/Albasu Federal Constituency. “U got 16 votes bro in primaries!!” Davido tweeted.
Instead of arguing about the election again, Mr Ahmad turned the focus to Davido’s Grammy history. “We have talked enough about the number of votes I got in my primaries. Can we now talk about the number of Grammy Awards you have won from your five nominations, David? Fair is fair.”
He also accused Davido of expecting to lose and using the idea of rigging as a preemptive excuse. “In politics, it is always those who know they lack a solid structure and have no real support on the ground who start screaming and crying rigging even before a single ballot is cast,” Mr Ahmad stated.
He expressed confidence that Osun voters would support the APC on August 15. “The good people of Osun are taking back their state on August 15th and we will be here to celebrate with them.”
Davido replied, saying Mr Ahmad was trying to judge his success only by his Grammy wins. He pointed out his achievements in music, stating, “You measure success by one award. I measure it by sold-out arenas, billions of streams, global influence, and people singing my songs across continents.”
Davido then criticized Mr Ahmad’s political career, arguing that he had not gained enough support in his constituency despite having government backing. He called Ahmad a “small boy who came into politics by accident.” He added that Ahmad spent eight years with the late president but did not make a meaningful impact in his community.
Davido concluded, “We all have different trophies, Bashir. I’ll keep inspiring the young ones and generations to come while you wait for the next government job to get crumbs.”
Mr Ahmad continued the Grammy-themed jabs by sharing an AI-generated image of Davido holding a Grammy award with the caption, “Congratulations, David.”
He followed this with a picture of South African singer Tyla with her Grammy award, saying, “Water. @davido.” This triggered more reactions on X, with some users criticizing Ahmad for bringing in a South African artist, especially with recent tensions between Nigerians and South Africans.
Some commenters suggested that if the goal was to mock Davido, he could have mentioned Nigerian Grammy winners like Burna Boy, Wizkid, or Tems. Others defended Mr Ahmad or returned to the discussion about Davido’s Grammy nominations.
This back-and-forth highlights how the upcoming Osun election is not just a political issue but also mixes with entertainment conversations. Davido has openly supported Mr Adeleke’s re-election campaign, while Mr Ahmad gained prominence during the APC-led government of former President Buhari.
The argument shows how the August 15 election is spilling into social media debates about the election’s credibility and the political records of those involved. The clash is part of the ongoing controversies related to the upcoming Osun State governorship election.
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