LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Afrobeats star Davido has defended his decision to spotlight abducted schoolchildren and teachers during a FIFA World Cup event, insisting that speaking out against insecurity is a patriotic duty rather than a political statement.
The dispute began after Davido appeared at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles wearing a customized jacket featuring the names of abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo State.
The outfit also carried the message, “Bring Them Home,” drawing international attention to their plight.
Following the performance, APC supporter Dauda Kahutu Rarara, criticized the singer, arguing that taking Nigeria’s security challenges to a global platform could damage the country’s image and potentially undermine efforts to secure the victims release.
Davido initially brushed off the criticism with a brief social media response that mocked Rarara’s comments.
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However, the disagreement soon escalated, prompting the award-winning singer to release a more detailed statement explaining the reasons behind his actions.
According to Davido, concern for the safety of kidnapped children and teachers should not be viewed through a partisan or political lens.
He stressed that citizens have a responsibility to speak up about issues affecting the country, especially when lives are at stake.
“Damn it, every Nigerian should not stay silent about the insecurity plaguing the nation, nor should they prevent others from voicing their concerns openly,” he wrote.
The singer also criticized what he described as the tendency to place political interests above the welfare of citizens.
“Showing bias and prioritizing personal or political interests, and putting personal desires above the community’s goals, is nothing to be proud of,” Davido stated.
Furthermore, he urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism by confronting difficult realities rather than ignoring them for political convenience.
“Be a patriot for your country, stop prioritizing politics over the truth, and fear God in everything you do @kahuturarara,” he added.
