Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW and a logistics manager for Afrobeats singer Davido, has dismissed Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s promise to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, arguing that the state’s voting record makes the target unrealistic.
Afeare, an indigene of Edo State, said the number of voters who typically participate in presidential elections in the state makes it difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure the figure promised by the governor.
He maintained that even if voter turnout increases, not everyone who votes will support Tinubu or the ruling party.
The Davido aide also declared support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, expressing the view that Nigeria performs better under northern leadership.
He made his position known in an Instagram post and video on Friday, where he urged Nigerians to vote according to their convictions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In his post, Afeare questioned the concentration of large government contracts in the hands of individuals and argued that integrity should take precedence over financial inducements in political choices.
“It is always far better when a Northern Nigerian rules. N15 trillion contract to one person alone? I’m voting for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,” he wrote.
He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Nigerians could freely choose their preferred candidates in the forthcoming election, stressing that a good reputation was more important than money.
The logistics manager further referenced former Edo State governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, whom he described as one of the most popular political figures in the state.
According to Afeare, Oshiomhole’s popularity did not translate into the delivery of 500,000 votes for his party during presidential elections.
He also claimed that the APC had lost presidential elections in Edo State on two occasions, using the party’s previous electoral performance to question whether the state could deliver the number of votes promised by Okpebholo.
Governor Okpebholo has repeatedly promised at different public events to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The Edo State APC chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, has also reiterated the target during campaign-related engagements and media appearances.
