By Sabiu Abdullahi
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has criticised renowned Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara over comments made regarding his decision to highlight Nigeria’s security challenges on the international stage.
The disagreement followed Davido’s appearance at the FIFA 2026 World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, where he drew attention to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. During the event, the singer wore a jacket bearing the inscription “BRING THEM HOME” alongside the names of the victims.
Rarara, a prominent supporter of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), faulted the move and accused Davido of portraying Nigeria negatively before a global audience.
Reacting through his official X account on Wednesday, Davido defended his actions and argued that citizens should not remain silent about insecurity and other national challenges.
According to him, “First of all, anyone who truly loves Nigeria will not remain silent about the insecurity problems troubling the country, nor will they try to stop others from expressing their concerns about it.
“A lack of compassion, putting personal interests first, acting as a political stooge, and prioritising selfish motives over the welfare of the people are not things to be proud of.
“Be patriotic and loyal to your country. Stop placing politics above the truth, and fear God in everything you do. @kahuturarara.”
Davido maintained that speaking about insecurity should not be interpreted as an attack on Nigeria. He said drawing attention to the suffering of citizens is part of the responsibility of patriotic Nigerians who want solutions to the country’s problems.
Before Davido’s response, Rarara had criticised the singer for discussing Nigeria’s security situation before an international audience. The musician described the move as harmful to the country’s image abroad.
In a video circulated online, Rarara said, “People of the world, friends near and far, especially Nigerians, I greet you all. I wish you all the best. Ladies and gentlemen, please be patient with me today. I have come with something I have never said or done before. I am not someone who usually makes statements like this.”
He explained that he decided to speak out because of Davido’s handling of the issue surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The exchange has generated widespread reactions on social media, where many users continue to debate whether public figures should openly discuss Nigeria’s challenges before international audiences or focus on promoting a positive image of the country.
