Deji Adeleke, father of Nigerian music star Davido, has spoken about how he approached the Osun State governorship election that returned his younger brother, Ademola Adeleke, to office.
According to Daily Post, Deji said he relied on prayer after hearing claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly spent about N60 billion to influence the election.
Rather than trying to match the opposition party’s alleged spending, the businessman said he chose to put his trust in God. Deji claimed that some voters were allegedly offered as much as N50,000 to vote for the APC.
He said he responded by praying that voters would collect the money offered to them but still vote for his brother. The businessman explained that he did not believe money alone would determine the result of the election.
He said he went into his room, knelt down and prayed for Ademola’s victory. His comments came after Governor Adeleke secured another term in office following the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Adeleke defeated the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to retain the governorship seat. Deji also spoke about his strong faith and the role prayer plays in his daily life. He said he regularly reads the Bible and prays, adding that Isaiah 41:10 is among the passages that gives him strength.
The businessman further said he does not spend his time trying to gain access to powerful politicians or influential people. Instead, he said he prefers to depend on God while focusing on his own responsibilities.
Deji’s comments have added to the ongoing conversation around vote-buying and the role of money in Nigerian elections. However, his claim that the APC spent N60 billion was presented as an allegation and has not been independently verified.
