Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, has commended Afrobeats superstar Davido for using the global stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to spotlight Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the plight of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Obi, in a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, described the singer’s action as a patriotic intervention that went beyond entertainment and drew international attention to a critical national issue.
The former Anambra State governor said Davido’s decision to highlight the ongoing abduction crisis demonstrated the power of influential public figures to advocate for urgent causes affecting ordinary Nigerians.
The praise followed Davido’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where he wore a customised leather jacket bearing the names of pupils and teachers reportedly abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The jacket also carried the bold message, “BRING THEM HOME,” a direct appeal for the safe return of the victims and greater awareness of their situation.
According to Obi, the gesture deserved recognition because it brought a pressing security challenge before a global audience. He noted that the singer used his international platform to amplify concerns about prolonged captivity and insecurity in parts of the country, helping to keep public attention on the issue.
“Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation. He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return,” Obi stated.
The former governor further argued that the security situation across Nigeria requires urgent attention and broader scrutiny. He maintained that persistent incidents of abduction and violence continue to affect communities and undermine the nation’s development prospects.
Obi also linked the discussion to Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the country’s failure to qualify was not due to a lack of talent. He said Nigerians continue to make their mark on the world stage through music, sports, and other fields despite domestic challenges.
According to him, the World Cup has already demonstrated the global relevance of Nigerian talent. He pointed to the participation of Nigerian artists at the tournament and the presence of individuals of Nigerian origin representing other countries as evidence that the nation possesses abundant human potential.
Obi argued that these developments should serve as a lesson for political leaders, urging them to create conditions that allow young Nigerians to thrive. He said effective leadership and an enabling environment are necessary for talent development and national progress.
The World Cup has featured significant Nigerian representation in its entertainment lineup. Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr are among the Nigerian music stars included on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack album.
