In a recent clash on social media, Nigerian superstar Davido and Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, found themselves at odds over the ongoing governorship election in Edo State. The feud unfolded on X (formerly Twitter) and quickly became a trending topic, drawing attention to the tensions surrounding Nigerian politics and the influence of prominent figures like Davido in political discourse.
The incident began when Davido, known for his outspoken nature, openly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He accused the body of corruption, labeling it “the most dangerous institution in Nigeria.” This comment came in the wake of controversies surrounding the Edo State governorship election, where Davido has been a strong supporter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Davido’s criticism of INEC was not made in isolation. The singer, who has used his platform to speak out on various political issues, seemed frustrated with what he viewed as the body’s inability to conduct free and fair elections. His statement drew the attention of Jubril Gawat, an active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a key figure in the media operations of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Gawat, who took offense at Davido’s harsh assessment of INEC, quickly fired back with a response aimed at discrediting the singer’s statement. While the exact wording of Gawat’s response has not been fully disclosed, it was clear that he viewed Davido’s criticism as unfounded and motivated by political bias.
He wrote, “This tweet means ONLY one thing.”
Never one to shy away from a confrontation, Davido responded directly to Gawat with a scathing reply. In a tweet that quickly went viral, Davido accused Gawat of hypocrisy, suggesting that he acts differently when in the presence of his boss, Governor Sanwo-Olu. Davido tweeted:
“U go dey here dey tweet nonsense but any time I’m around your principal, nah you go first carry phone with flash like okirika dey blind person eye.”
This remark painted a picture of Gawat as someone who fawns over his superiors while taking to social media to criticize others. Davido’s comment, infused with local slang and humor, struck a chord with his followers, many of whom found the singer’s words both amusing and revealing.
Refusing to let Davido have the last word, Jubril Gawat responded with a clever move of his own. Gawat posted a video of Davido hailing Governor Sanwo-Olu during his wedding ceremony. In the video, Davido is seen referring to Sanwo-Olu as “the real 001,” a term of endearment typically used to signify respect and admiration.
By sharing this video, Gawat aimed to undermine Davido’s credibility, showing that the singer had, in fact, once praised the very person associated with the political party he was now indirectly attacking. The move was intended to highlight Davido’s apparent inconsistency and cast doubt on the sincerity of his political statements.
This back-and-forth between Davido and Gawat has added another layer of drama to the already tense political atmosphere surrounding the Edo State elections. Davido, as a prominent public figure, has often voiced his support for political candidates and causes, using his massive following to influence public opinion. His involvement in politics, while celebrated by many, has also drawn criticism, especially from those on the opposing side of the political divide.
On the other hand, Jubril Gawat’s role as a media aide to Governor Sanwo-Olu places him at the center of Lagos State’s political machinery. His quick defense of INEC and the APC reflects his commitment to his role and the interests of his political party.
As expected, the feud between Davido and Gawat quickly became a trending topic on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on the matter. Some sided with Davido, agreeing with his criticism of INEC and supporting his right to express his political views. Others, however, felt that Gawat’s video of Davido praising Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the singer’s inconsistency and questioned his motives.
The exchange has also reignited discussions about the role of celebrities in politics. In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, public figures are increasingly using their platforms to speak on political issues. While this can bring attention to important causes, it also exposes these figures to scrutiny and criticism, especially when their statements seem contradictory or politically motivated.
The clash between Davido and Jubril Gawat may seem like a simple social media spat, but it highlights deeper issues within Nigeria’s political landscape. The ongoing elections in Edo State, the role of INEC, and the rivalry between APC and PDP are all contributing factors to the tension that erupted in this online exchange. As the political climate continues to heat up, similar confrontations between public figures and political aides are likely to arise.
Ultimately, this incident underscores the significant influence that social media has on Nigerian politics. Celebrities like Davido wield immense power over public opinion, and their involvement in political discourse can shape narratives, for better or worse. For figures like Jubril Gawat, the challenge is finding a balance between defending their political beliefs and navigating the unpredictable world of social media conflicts.
Davido called INEC “the most dangerous institution in Nigeria” amid the Edo governorship election.Jubril Gawat, Sanwo-Olu’s aide, defended INEC and criticized Davido’s statement.Davido accused Gawat of hypocrisy, claiming he behaves differently around Governor Sanwo-Olu.Gawat responded by posting a video of Davido praising Sanwo-Olu at his wedding.
