Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has hit back at political praise singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, accusing him of placing politics above truth regarding the state of the nation and urging Nigerians not to remain silent over the country’s worsening insecurity.
The exchange followed criticism of Davido’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, where he wore a customised jacket bearing the inscription “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted from Ori-ire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Rarara had in a video shared on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, described Davido’s action as “barbaric,” arguing that taking Nigeria’s security challenges to an international stage could damage the country’s image.
“How can you promote Ansaru terrorists or insecurity-related issues to the whole world? How can you take a sensitive national security issue and project it to the world in a way that could damage the country’s image? What exactly do you stand to gain from doing that?” Rarara asked.
He also questioned Davido’s motive, suggesting the gesture may have been politically influenced.
“Is it because his uncle is contesting an election on Accord Party and Tinubu is in APC? Is that why insecurity must become a campaign tool?” he said, adding that security matters should not be politicised.
Davido initially responded on X with a brief “Debidooo”, to mock the APC praise singer, prompting Rarara to reply with the Hausa phrase “Kashiga taitayinka”, meaning ‘be warned’.
The Afrobeats star later issued a more detailed response, insisting that patriotism demands speaking out against insecurity rather than shielding political interests.
“Damn it, every Nigerian should not stay silent about the insecurity plaguing the nation, nor should they prevent others from voicing their concerns openly,” Davido wrote in a statement shared in Hausa and translated into English while tagging Rarara.
He accused those defending political interests at the expense of national welfare of failing the country.
“Showing bias and prioritising personal or political interests, and putting personal desires above the community’s goals, is nothing to be proud of,” he said.
Calling on Nigerians to put the country first, Davido added, “Be a patriot for your country, stop prioritizing politics over the truth, and fear God in everything you do.”
