Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad have caused a heated social media exchange, drawing widespread reactions from fans and commentators who largely sided with the award-winning singer.
The online spat began after Ahmad mocked Davido over his Grammy record, referencing the singer’s five nominations without a win.
“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?” Ahmad wrote on X.
The comment was a response to criticism Ahmad had faced following his defeat in the All-Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Gaya/Ajingi/Albasu Federal Constituency of Kano State, where he secured 16 delegate votes.
Davido fired back, arguing that success in the music industry extends beyond winning a Grammy.
“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,” the singer wrote.
Davido also aimed for Ahmad’s political career. “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 eight years 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.”
The exchange escalated after Ahmad accused Davido of prematurely alleging election rigging ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
“In politics, it is always those who know they lack a solid structure and have no real support on the ground who start screaming and crying rigging even before a single ballot is cast,” Ahmad said.
“The good people of Osun are taking back their state on August 15, and we will be here to celebrate with them.”
Ahmad’s remarks followed Davido’s, a known supporter of his uncle and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who had alleged that electoral outcomes could be manipulated.
“Of course, because in the same way you clowns can call the INEC Chairman to write election results… Guy free me, my own no good,” Davido had posted.
The exchange quickly went viral, with many X users defending Davido and contrasting his global music achievements with Ahmad’s political outing.
An X user, who is nice, wrote that being nominated for the Grammy Awards was itself a significant achievement.
“Davido being nominated for the Grammy means out of over 20,000 global Grammy submissions, he was chosen… Meanwhile, you, a former Presidential aide, couldn’t even convince 20 people in your backyard to vote for you.”
Another user, MSB GOLD, questioned Ahmad’s credentials, writing: “He was nominated globally. Have you ever been nominated locally for anything?”
Nwa Udenu described Davido’s response as the “Tweet of the week,” while Chisom criticised Ahmad, saying he was only known for “running errands for politicians.”
Another commenter, God With Us, mocked Ahmad’s primary election result, stating: “You had 16 votes, bro, that tells you something.”
Similarly, Dr Mary questioned how Ahmad failed to secure broader support despite serving as president for eight years.
Entertainment supporter Socratès argued that Davido’s contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry outweighed Ahmad’s political accomplishments.
“The impact Davido has made over the years in the entertainment industry can never be overemphasised. Davido has put this country on the global stage,” the user wrote.
Another X user, Small Waist, Pretty Face, noted that Grammy recognition carried global prestige, contrasting it with Ahmad’s local primary election performance.
Political commentator Temi Yankey said both Grammy nominations and election victories involve votes but argued the scale was incomparable.
“13,000+ Recording Academy members narrowing a whole continent down to five nominees, versus delegates across three local government areas in your own party primary, and 16 picked you,” the user wrote.
Similarly, ImoleFactCheck highlighted Davido’s commercial success, citing his multiple Grammy nominations, billions of streams and sold-out concerts while recalling Ahmad’s defeat in the APC primary.
