Afrobeats star Davido and Kano-based political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara have engaged in a heated exchange over Davido’s outfit during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown series.
Davido wore a black jacket featuring 46 green lapels, each bearing the names of 39 kidnapped pupils and seven teachers from Oyo, alongside the inscription “Bring Them Home” displayed on the back.
Rarara criticised the outfit in a video shared on Facebook, arguing in Hausa that publicising sensitive security matters on an international stage could undermine ongoing rescue efforts and potentially aid insurgent groups.
He further claimed the gesture risked politicising Nigeria’s security challenges and suggested that such visibility could complicate operations by security agencies working to secure the release of abducted victims.
Rarara also referenced his personal experience, saying public statements during his family’s kidnapping had previously delayed resolution of the case.
Davido responded by reposting the video on X, initially mocking Rarara’s pronunciation of his name, before later issuing a Hausa-language post calling for prioritising truth and national welfare over political interests.
In his response, Davido argued that speaking out on insecurity is necessary and accused critics of placing politics above the realities of national security concerns.
The exchange followed a separate online clash between Davido and Reno Omokri over similar comments relating to the singer’s World Cup performance outfit.
