Obi Hails Davido’s World Cup Protest Against Abductions

Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has praised Afrobeats star Davido for using the global stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to draw attention to insecurity and mass abductions in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Obi described the singer’s “Bring Them Home” campaign as a patriotic effort that went beyond entertainment to spotlight the plight of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

Davido performed at the World Cup countdown event wearing a customised jacket bearing the names of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, alongside the inscription “BRING THEM HOME.”

Obi said the gesture helped bring international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges and underscored the need for urgent action to address the crisis.

The former Anambra governor also linked Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup to what he called a leadership deficit rather than a lack of talent, noting that Nigerians continue to excel on the global stage through music and sports despite the country’s absence from the tournament.

According to him, the performances of Nigerian artists and the presence of Nigerians representing other countries at the World Cup highlight the need for leaders to create an environment where young people can thrive and realise their potential.

The World Cup soundtrack features several Nigerian stars, including Burna Boy, Davido, Rema and Ayra Starr, who have played prominent roles in the tournament’s entertainment lineup.