RismadarVoice Reporters, June 15, 2026
Peter Obi, the presidential flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, has lauded Afrobeats superstar Davido for using one of the world’s biggest stages to shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
The commendation followed Davido’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where the singer took to the stage in a striking custom leather jacket adorned with buttons inscribed with the names of pupils and teachers recently kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The words “BRING THEM HOME” were emblazoned boldly across the back of the jacket in what many observers described as a powerful act of advocacy.
In a post on his official X account Sunday evening, Obi argued that the gesture went far beyond showmanship, calling it a genuine expression of patriotism that succeeded in drawing international attention to a humanitarian situation he believes the Nigerian government has failed to adequately address.
The former Anambra governor also revisited Nigeria’s painful absence from the 2026 World Cup, maintaining that the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify was rooted not in any shortage of talent but in a sustained failure of political leadership to build systems that allow that talent to flourish.
He pointed to the irony of Nigerians dominating the tournament’s cultural narrative through music and through players representing other nations on the pitch as evidence of the country’s squandered potential.
Nigeria’s footprint on the global tournament remains significant despite the Eagles’ absence. Four of the country’s foremost music acts Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, and Ayra Starr feature on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack.
Burna Boy opened the tournament alongside Colombian icon, Shakira at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, while Rema performed at the opening ceremony alongside BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Brazil’s Anitta, debuting their joint track, Goals, to a worldwide audience.
