Davido’s logistics manager questions alleged ₦15 trillion contract, says Edo cannot deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu
AFUZE, Edo State — Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, the Owan-born logistics manager of Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, professionally known as Davido, has declared his intention to vote for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election, while questioning the projection that Edo State could deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Afeare made his position known in a post on his Instagram account on Friday, October 16, 2026, expressing support for Atiku, criticising what he described as the award of a ₦15 trillion contract to one individual and calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Nigerians are free to choose their preferred presidential candidate.
The celebrity aide, who is an indigene of Edo State with roots in the Owan area, also questioned the feasibility of the vote target reportedly projected by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and other All Progressives Congress (APC) figures ahead of the 2027 general election.
In his post, Afeare wrote: “It is always far better when a Northern Nigerian rules. ₦15 trillion contract to one person alone? I’m voting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. INEC should please allow Nigerians to freely choose whoever they want to govern them in January 2027. A good name is far better than money.”
He further urged Nigerians to disregard the projected 2.5 million votes from Edo State, citing previous presidential election outcomes and the voting record of former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
His comments have introduced an additional voice into the growing debate over political mobilisation, electoral projections and the contest for the presidency in 2027.
Israel DMW Challenges Edo’s 2.5 Million-Vote Projection
A central part of Afeare’s statement was his rejection of the projection that Edo State could deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the next presidential election.
The target has been publicly associated with Governor Okpebholo and other APC leaders as part of their stated ambition to secure substantial electoral support for the president in Edo State.
Afeare argued that previous election results did not support the projection, pointing to the performance of the APC in past presidential contests in the state.
He specifically referenced Oshiomhole, who served as Edo governor from 2008 to 2016, arguing that even the former governor’s popularity and electoral experience had not translated into the delivery of 500,000 presidential votes for his party.
In the Instagram post, Afeare wrote that Oshiomhole remained widely accepted in Edo State but had been unable to deliver the level of presidential electoral support he considered necessary to justify the current projection.
He also claimed that the APC had failed to win Edo State in two previous presidential elections.
The claims reflect Afeare’s assessment of the state’s political history. However, his comparison does not by itself establish the number of votes that any party or candidate can secure in 2027, as turnout, candidate choices, voter registration and political alignments may change between elections.
Afeare Reaffirms His Position in Interview
In a follow-up report published by The PUNCH on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Afeare maintained his position that Edo State could not realistically deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu.
The newspaper reported that Afeare stood by his social media comments and argued that the number of people who typically participate in general elections in the state was substantially below the projected figure.
He was quoted as saying: “I stand by the comment I made on Instagram. There is no way Edo can give 2.5 million votes to President Tinubu. General election results in the state have shown that only slightly above 500,000 people come out to vote.”
He added that even if voter turnout increased, it would not mean that every participating voter would vote for the APC.
The remarks shift the discussion from the political ambition to deliver a particular number of votes to the practical questions of turnout, voter participation and the distribution of votes among competing candidates.
Edo State has three senatorial districts and 18 local government areas. Its electoral outcome will depend on the choices made by eligible voters across the state, rather than on political declarations alone.
Owan-Born Celebrity Aide Takes Position on National Politics
Afeare’s intervention has also drawn attention because of his background in Edo State and his association with the Owan community.
Known publicly as Israel DMW, he gained wider recognition through his work as Davido’s logistics manager and his frequent appearances alongside the singer at entertainment events and on social media.
His latest political comments demonstrate his willingness to express personal views on national leadership and the electoral calculations being discussed ahead of 2027.
However, his declaration represents his individual political position and should not be interpreted as the position of the Owan people, Edo State residents generally or Davido himself.
The celebrity aide’s support for Atiku also reflects the wider involvement of entertainers, social media personalities and other public figures in Nigeria’s political discourse.
Questions Raised Over Alleged ₦15 Trillion Contract
In the same statement, Afeare questioned what he described as the award of a ₦15 trillion contract to a single individual.
He did not identify the alleged beneficiary, specify the project or provide supporting documents in the post.
IBN News could not independently establish the details of the allegation from the reports reviewed. Consequently, the claim remains an unverified assertion made by Afeare and should not be treated as a confirmed government contract or evidence of wrongdoing.
The issue of public procurement and the management of government expenditure remains an important matter of public accountability. However, specific allegations concerning contract awards require documentary evidence and a response from the relevant authorities before definitive conclusions can be reached.
Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Bid
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Nigeria’s vice president from 1999 to 2007, remains a prominent figure in the country’s opposition politics.
He contested the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ahead of the 2027 election, he has been associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and opposition discussions surrounding the next presidential contest.
Afeare’s declaration adds to the public expressions of support emerging as political figures and prospective candidates work to build their support bases.
His statement also comes amid discussions about the political affiliations of Davido, whose uncle, Ademola Adeleke, is the governor of Osun State.
Davido has previously explained that his own political decisions are influenced by his personal assessment of political developments and that his family relationships do not automatically determine his choice of candidate.
Israel DMW’s endorsement of Atiku should therefore be treated as a separate personal declaration, not an endorsement issued on behalf of Davido.
INEC and the 2027 Electoral Process
Afeare also appealed to INEC to allow Nigerians to freely choose their preferred leaders in the January 2027 presidential election.
The commission is responsible for conducting federal and state elections in accordance with the Constitution and applicable electoral laws. Its preparations, alongside the conduct of political parties and other stakeholders, will be central to the organisation of the next general election.
The debate over Edo State’s projected votes highlights a broader distinction between political mobilisation targets and actual election results. A party may set an ambitious target, but only ballots cast by eligible voters and counted under the electoral process will determine the outcome.
For Edo State, the central questions ahead of the election include voter participation, the candidates presented by the political parties, the issues influencing voters and the credibility of the electoral process.
Political Debate Intensifies Ahead of 2027
Afeare’s declaration has brought together three issues in one public statement: his support for Atiku Abubakar, his criticism of an alleged ₦15 trillion contract and his rejection of the 2.5 million-vote target projected for Tinubu in Edo State.
While his comments have added to the political debate, neither his endorsement nor the competing vote projections determine the eventual outcome of the election.
As political activities continue to build ahead of 2027, the performance of candidates, party structures, campaign messages and voters’ decisions will shape the contest.
For the Owan-born celebrity aide, however, his position is clear: he intends to vote for Atiku Abubakar and believes the projected 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in Edo State are unrealistic.
IBN News will continue to report developments concerning the 2027 general election, political alignments in Edo State and the positions taken by public figures ahead of the polls.
