Davido Faces Criticism for Voting in US Election While Ignoring Nigerian Politics
Nigerian-American Afrobeats star, Davido, has recently found himself at the center of a storm of criticism after proudly announcing that he participated in the ongoing presidential election in the United States. On October 5, 2024, Davido took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share a picture of himself holding an “I voted” sticker, marking his first-ever time voting in an election. While Davido expressed excitement about exercising his civil right, many of his Nigerian fans were far from impressed, leading to a wave of backlash.
The backlash stemmed from his perceived lack of involvement in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential elections, which many Nigerians felt was an important moment to be vocal about. Some fans were quick to point out that Davido had not publicly shown the same enthusiasm for participating in the Nigerian elections. His announcement sparked frustration, with many calling him out for not supporting Nigerian candidates while eagerly jumping into the American political process.
One Twitter user wrote, “This guy is a hypocrite, you’ve never voted in any presidential election in Nigeria, but now you’re seeking validation from Americans.” Others expressed similar sentiments, accusing the singer of focusing on American issues while neglecting his responsibilities to his home country. The criticism was further fueled by the fact that Davido had previously shown little to no support for the 2023 Nigerian elections, leading to questions about his true commitment to Nigerian politics.
Social media personality Daniel Regha also weighed in on the controversy, criticizing Davido for what he saw as a lack of genuine political involvement in Nigeria. “Davido, where was this energy during the Nigerian general election?” Regha asked. “You didn’t show proof of voting, didn’t show support to voters, or even bother to use your platform to call on the INEC when there were reports of electoral malpractices across the country. But now you are proud to vote in the US election? This is not the achievement you think it is.”
As the criticism continued, more and more people questioned why Davido had not taken similar action in Nigeria, a country where his influence could have made a significant impact. “In your entire life? Not even in Nigeria?” one user commented, echoing the sentiments of many who felt betrayed by the singer’s apparent disregard for his own country’s elections.
Despite the backlash, Davido’s post about voting in the US sparked an important conversation about celebrity responsibility in political engagement. Many pointed out that while celebrities can influence their fans’ political views, it is essential that they show equal concern for both local and international matters. For many Nigerians, the feeling was that if Davido wanted to be a role model and advocate for change, he needed to demonstrate consistent support for his own nation’s elections, not just for the US.
This controversy highlights a broader issue within Nigerian celebrity culture, where many public figures are seen as detached from the everyday struggles of their citizens. While they are quick to engage with global issues, many are criticized for not using their platform to address local political and social concerns. For Davido, this incident may serve as a reminder that his influence carries a responsibility, especially in the eyes of those who have long supported him in Nigeria.
Davido’s involvement in the US election and the subsequent reactions underscore the complexity of political engagement in today’s globalized world. While participating in the US election is a valid exercise of his rights as an American resident, it’s clear that many Nigerians expect more from their stars when it comes to supporting their home country. Whether or not Davido will address the criticism remains to be seen, but it’s clear that this debate is far from over.
