Davido has criticised what he sees as a cycle of political disappointment in Nigeria, saying some people who once protested against bad governance are now campaigning for politicians.
The Afrobeats superstar, whose real name is David Adeleke, shared his views during an appearance on the I Wanna Talk podcast, where he reflected on the 2020 EndSARS protests and the hopes many Nigerians had for change.
Davido said the nationwide demonstrations initially made him optimistic about the country’s future. He was encouraged by the number of Nigerians who took to the streets and the determination they showed while demanding reforms.
However, he said that optimism gradually faded as normal social activities, including parties and celebrations, resumed shortly after the protests.
“I was happy to see Nigerians protest during EndSARS. I thought change was coming, but December came and people were partying. Even me, who was initially optimistic about the movement got discouraged,” Davido said.
The singer added that he understood why people might eventually become discouraged, pointing to the responsibilities they have towards their families and loved ones.
“We can’t kill ourselves. We have kids and people we are living for,” he said.
Davido also connected poor governance with the economic difficulties experienced by ordinary Nigerians, while acknowledging that his personal circumstances may make it difficult for him to fully understand the struggles of people facing severe financial pressure.
“Once the government is bad, there would be hardship. I can’t even advise people who are going through economic hardship because I am not going through what they are going through, even though I have my own struggles, too,” he explained.
He then called for change across different levels of Nigerian society, arguing that responsibility should not rest entirely on politicians.
“What I can say is, Nigeria, fix up. The country has to change from politicians to citizens, everything,” he added.
One of his strongest criticisms focused on what he described as a shift in the behaviour of some people who previously participated in protests against poor governance.
“Today, the same people that were protesting against bad government are campaigning for politicians. Those who claim to fight for the people often change when they get power,” Davido said.
He concluded by stressing that meaningful social change requires a shift in citizens’ attitudes and values, alongside changes in political leadership.
“We can’t change our society until we change our mindset as a people,” he said.
Davido’s comments add his voice to ongoing public discussions about governance, political accountability and the economic challenges facing Nigerians. His central message was that lasting reform requires responsibility from both those in leadership and the citizens they represent.