Davido's logistics manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has publicly declared his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of Nigeria's 2027 presidential election.
In a recent Instagram post, Israel DMW argued that Nigeria is better governed under northern leadership while questioning what he described as a ₦15 trillion contract awarded to one person.
“It is always far better when a northern Nigerian rules. ₦15 trillion contract to one person alone? I'm voting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”
He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow Nigerians to freely choose their next president, adding:
“A good name is far better than money.”
His comments were reported by multiple Nigerian news outlets following the Instagram post.
Israel's endorsement places him firmly behind Atiku as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
His declaration is particularly notable because it comes at a time when political alignments within Nigeria's entertainment industry are attracting increasing attention.
Davido, whose uncle is Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has recently been drawn into the political conversation after Adeleke aligned himself with President Bola Tinubu's 2027 campaign.
Davido, however, has said that his uncle's political decision does not automatically determine his own choice of presidential candidate.
Israel's position should therefore be understood as his own political declaration, rather than an indication of Davido's position.
What does the ₦15 trillion question mean?
The most provocative part of Israel's statement may actually be the question attached to his endorsement:
“₦15 trillion contract to one person alone?”
Israel did not identify the alleged contract, the beneficiary or provide supporting documentation in the Instagram post.
The claim has been reported as part of his political argument, but it should not be presented as an independently established fact without documentary evidence or confirmation from the relevant authorities.
A question raised by a public figure is not automatically proof that the underlying allegation is true.
Why northern leadership has become part of the conversation
Israel's statement also taps into one of Nigeria's longest-running political debates: whether presidential power should rotate between the North and South.
Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, regional representation has remained an important part of conversations around presidential elections.
Atiku, who is from Adamawa State in northern Nigeria, represents the regional alternative to incumbent President Bola Tinubu, a southerner seeking another term.
Israel's argument therefore isn't merely about one candidate.
He is expressing a broader political preference for northern leadership, while linking that preference to his assessment of governance and public spending.
Israel also urged Nigerians to disregard claims that 2.5 million votes could come from Edo State for President Tinubu.
He referenced former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and previous presidential election results to question whether such a target was realistic.
The argument reflects a broader reality of Nigerian politics: campaign targets are not election results.
The eventual number of votes a candidate receives will depend on voter turnout, registration, political mobilisation, candidate popularity and the choices Nigerians make at the ballot box.
Israel DMW is not a presidential candidate, political office-holder or party leader.
But he has something increasingly valuable in modern Nigerian politics: an audience.
His position demonstrates how entertainment personalities and social-media figures are becoming active participants in political conversations rather than merely observers of them.
That influence can be significant because political campaigns are no longer fought exclusively through rallies, television interviews and newspaper advertisements.
They are also fought through Instagram posts, TikTok videos, livestreams and the personal platforms of people whose followers already trust or identify with them.
Israel's declaration therefore tells us something about the 2027 election beyond his personal choice.
The political conversation is increasingly taking place wherever Nigerians' attention is—and celebrities are already choosing their sides.
For Israel DMW, that side is clear:
He says he is voting for Atiku Abubakar.
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