Davido Wants Trump to Watch Nigerian Elections, But Critics Have Questions – The Root

Davido is calling on President Donald Trump to watch an upcoming state election in Nigeria amid fears of political violence in the area. But before Nigerians welcome the cavalry, many are asking what happens if help from the American president will actually help, or if Nigerians will end up more vulnerable in the long run.

The Afrobeats superstar penned a letter to Trump and the international community, asking them to monitor the August 15 Osun State governorship election, warning against possible kidnappings, murders and disruption of the democratic process.

“Osun people deserve to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, peacefully, and without fear,” Davido’s address read. “I appeal to the United States and the international community to pay close attention to the election and encourage all relevant authorities to ensure that every voter is protected and every vote is respected.”

Given Davido’s history with Nigerian politics, his concern is not surprising.

RELATED: Opinion: Trump’s Homelessness Executive Order Is Making Homelessness Worse

The “Fall” singer’s involvement is particularly personal in Osun, where his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, is governor, according to The Guardian Nigeria. Davido backed Adeleke in the 2018 and 2022 governorship races. He has also used his platform for causes beyond his family’s political interests. During the 2020 #EndSARS protests, Davido joined demonstrators in Abuja and later took protesters’ demands to the Inspector General of Police, Rolling Stone reported.

So there is a legitimate reason to take his concerns seriously. But critics are asking an important question: why Trump?

For some, asking an American president to “watch over” a Nigerian election feels less like democratic solidarity and more like inviting a foreign power to supervise Nigeria’s politics. And given Nigeria’s colonial history, that is not a small distinction.

Online, folks dragged Davido. “You’re too old to be fooling like this na,” @ugbede_ugbede wrote on X.

Another user, @ifedayo_johnson, asked, “Is everything okay, David?” In response, Davido defended the move, calling Trump “my president.”

Still, many people like @Ohikhuare_ weren’t here for Davido tagging Trump in Nigeria’s election fight. He wrote, “High cost of living, rising insecurity, increased electricity costs, high food inflation, persistent poverty. Nigerians are facing these on a daily basis but you never for once tweeted ‘Your President.’”

Trump’s recent relationship with Nigeria makes Davido’s request even more awkward for many.

On Christmas Day 2025, Trump carried out strikes against Islamic State targets in Sokoto State, PBS reported. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation was conducted in coordination with state authorities, while Trump framed the strikes as targeting anti-Christian militants.

Trump’s administration has also taken a hands-on role in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, NPR previously reported, brokering a peace deal while using sanctions and economic pressure to push both countries toward compliance.

Elsewhere, Trump’s international policy has been transactional, with security, migration and economic interests frequently taking center stage. America has organized deportation arrangements and an expansive travel ban on several African countries, including Nigeria.

None of that means Trump can’t be useful to Nigeria. American pressure can matter, especially when politicians believe the international spotlight could discourage violence or election interference.

But there is a difference between asking the world to pay attention and asking a foreign government to step in.

Concerns that inviting Trump into the conversation could turn a Nigerian democratic problem into an American political opportunity continue. But according to Davido and other Nigerians pushing for peace, American intervention could be necessary.