Nigerian music star David “Davido” Adeleke has publicly distanced himself from the City Boy Movement (CBM), a youth-driven support group established in 2022 to back President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign. This clarification comes despite the prominent involvement of his best friend, Cubana Chief Priest (CP), who served as CBM’s Imo State Director and actively mobilized youths for Mr. Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, even pledging support for his re-election in interviews.

Davido’s statement was made on his X page after he was challenged by an X user, Princess Luna (@princessluna237), following his comments on the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. On Saturday, Davido had expressed concern over what he described as the silence of entertainers on critical issues affecting Nigerians, particularly the escalating insecurity. Luna, in response, quoted his tweet with harsh criticism, accusing him of “performative rubbish” and linking him to a “City Boys group chat.”

In a direct reply, the “Unavailable” crooner vehemently denied being a part of any City Boy group. He clarified his relationship with Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, stating, “I’ve been friends with ST (Seyi Tinubu) for years, and that’s where it stops, and I call and complain to him all the time, even in person.” He further highlighted a past instance where he called out the government on American media, facing curses from the public, and asserted his right to speak his mind regardless of his friendship with Seyi Tinubu.

Davido also expressed deep emotional distress regarding the abduction incident and the broader insecurity in Nigeria, describing the situation as a “mess” that left him “weak.” He shared his heartbreak for the victims and their families, emphasizing, “I can’t lie, we entertainers, we f**kup, I won’t lie, including me. We need to speak up; there’s too much injustice. Our country is gone.” He affirmed his commitment to speaking from his heart and continuing to pray for Nigeria.

Beyond Davido, other prominent Nigerian singers also reacted strongly to the kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State. Inetimi “Timaya” Odon, Paul “Rudeboy” Okoye, and Panshak “Ice Prince” Zamani, among others, took to their social media pages to urge the Mr. Tinubu-led administration and security agencies to intensify efforts for the victims’ release.

Timaya, in a powerful statement titled “Every Nigerian deserves to come home safe” posted on his Instagram page, stressed that no parent should live in fear for their child’s safety, and no child should grow up in fear. He emphasized that families should not endure the anxiety of waiting for news about missing loved ones. He appealed to the government for “even greater urgency, collaboration, and action” in tackling the growing security challenges, asserting that “The safety of citizens must remain a shared national priority. Every Nigerian deserves the freedom to live, work, travel, and pursue their dreams without fear.” Timaya also underscored the importance of unity, stating, “Nigeria is stronger when we stand together,” and expressed solidarity with the affected families.

Ice Prince described the abduction incidents and the widespread insecurity as “unfair,” lamenting that “Nigeria deserved better.” Speaking in both Hausa and English in an Instagram video, the Jos-born artist called on authorities to take charge and provide better service to the people, advocating for peace, justice, love, and a better future. Rudeboy offered a stark assessment, saying, “Every single day, one kidnaps another. We’re actually at war, but we all act as if it’s normal.”

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the abduction of approximately 32 people from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all situated in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Tragically, one of the victims, a mathematics teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the attackers. Since the incident, the victims have remained in captivity, while numerous public figures, including singers and actors, have condemned the abductions and criticized the deteriorating security situation across the country under the current administration. These latest remarks by Davido and others reflect a growing public debate over insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria, with citizens and influential figures increasingly using their platforms to demand accountability and action.