The political battle surrounding the August 15 Osun State governorship election has spilled into a heated social media exchange between former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad and Afrobeats star Davido.
The war of words began on Thursday, August 6, after Davido reacted to a post by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announcing that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to lift restrictions placed on Osun State Government accounts.
Davido, whose uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election, said he had witnessed what he described as a historic phone conversation between Tinubu and Adeleke.
The singer’s comment attracted the attention of Ahmad, who quoted the post and appeared to suggest that Davido might have cause to revisit his statement if Adeleke eventually loses the election.
Ahmad said he had bookmarked Davido’s post, seemingly implying that he intended to return to it after the poll.
Davido fired back, mocking Ahmad over his performance in a previous political primary.
“U got 16 votes bro in primaries STFU!!” the singer wrote.
Rather than allowing the exchange to remain focused on politics, Ahmad shifted the conversation to Davido’s music career, specifically his Grammy record.
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“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,” Ahmad wrote.
He subsequently shared a photograph of South African singer Tyla holding a Grammy Award, apparently using her achievement to taunt Davido over his failure to win the coveted prize.
Tyla defeated Davido and other nominees in the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammy Awards with her song Push 2 Start. The victory reportedly made her the first artist to win the category twice.
Davido, however, rejected the suggestion that his career should be measured by the number of Grammy trophies he has won.
The singer pointed instead to his commercial success, sold-out arenas, billions of streams, international influence and the global reach of his music as measures of his achievements.
Davido also turned the spotlight back on Ahmad, questioning his political record and alleging that despite benefiting from government backing during his years in public service, he failed to secure sufficient support from voters in his constituency.
The singer further criticised Ahmad’s time in government, arguing that the former presidential aide spent eight years serving under a former president without making the kind of impact he believed should have been expected in his community.
Davido concluded by suggesting that he and Ahmad simply had different definitions of success.
According to the singer, they have different “trophies”, with his own legacy extending beyond awards to the inspiration he provides to younger generations.
He also suggested that while he would continue building his legacy, Ahmad could wait for another government appointment.
The exchange has since triggered reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided over the escalating war of words.
While some users criticised Ahmad for introducing Tyla and the Grammy debate into what began as a political argument, others defended the former presidential aide’s decision to challenge Davido over his Grammy record.
The confrontation has added an entertainment dimension to the increasingly intense political atmosphere ahead of the Osun governorship election.
Davido has emerged as one of the most vocal celebrity supporters of his uncle, Adeleke, as the governor seeks another term in office.
With the election scheduled for August 15, the clash between the singer and Ahmad has further highlighted the growing intersection of celebrity influence and political campaigning in Nigeria.
As the election draws closer, the social media battle between the two men is likely to remain part of the wider conversation surrounding Adeleke’s re-election bid and the fierce political contest in Osun State.
