Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, yesterday described Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, as “a small boy who came into politics by accident” during a heated exchange on X.
The altercation began when Ahmad posted that he had bookmarked a tweet ahead of the Osun State governorship election on August 15, adding that some people would “lament” if the results did not go a certain way.
Davido responded swiftly, quoting the post: “U got 16 votes bro in STFU!!”
The reference was to Ahmad’s 2022 outing in the APC primary for the Gaya/Ajingi/Albasu Federal Constituency in Kano State, where he polled 16 votes.
Ahmad hit back, shifting the conversation to music. “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,” he wrote, posting a photo of a Grammy trophy.
Davido then issued a lengthy rebuttal. “You measure success by one award. I measure it by sold-out arenas, billions of streams, global influence, and people singing my songs across continents,” he said.
He continued: “You had government backing and still couldn’t convince enough people to back you in your small constituency. You’re a small boy who came into politics by accident. You spent 8yrs with the ex-president and couldn’t make a change in your poverty-stricken community. We all have different trophies, Bashir. I’ll keep inspiring the young ones and generations to come while you wait for the next government job to get crumbs.”
Ahmad replied with one word — “Water” — and an image of a woman holding a Grammy.
Records from the Recording Academy show Davido has five nominations but no win. Ahmad, an Officer of the Order of the Niger, served as a presidential aide for eight years.
The exchange drew massive engagement online and comes as political conversation heightens in Osun. Davido is the nephew of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Supporters clashed in the comments, arguing over the value of global entertainment influence versus political experience.
