Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad engaged in a heated exchange on X on Thursday, trading jabs over politics, electoral performance, and music accolades.
The online spat began after Ahmad, who served as former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on New Media, shared a post hinting that he had saved a tweet ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, suggesting that some people would be disappointed if the outcome did not favour their expectations.
Although Ahmad did not mention anyone by name, Davido responded directly to the post.
“U got 16 votes bro in STFU!!”
The singer was referring to Ahmad’s performance in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Gaya/Ajingi/Albasu Federal Constituency seat in Kano State, where the former presidential aide polled 16 votes.
Ahmad responded by shifting the focus to Davido’s music career, particularly his Grammy record.
“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? Fair is fair.”
He accompanied the post with an image of a Grammy Award trophy.
Davido fired back with a lengthy response, dismissing the comparison and insisting that his success extends far beyond winning awards.
“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 also criticised Ahmad’s political career, arguing that his years in government had not translated into meaningful electoral success or tangible impact in his constituency.
“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.”
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Ahmad replied with a brief post that read: “Water.”
The post was accompanied by a photograph of a woman celebrating while holding a Grammy Award trophy.
Davido has received five Grammy nominations in recent years, including in the Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Album categories, but is yet to win the prestigious award.
Ahmad, an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), served as a presidential aide during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and has remained active in political commentary on social media.
