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Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has come under fire on social media after comparing Nigerian music star Davido to South African Grammy winner Tyla during a political exchange that quickly shifted into a debate about music, awards and national pride.
The controversy erupted on X (formerly Twitter) after Ahmad referenced Tyla’s Grammy Award while responding to Davido, prompting many Nigerians to accuse him of making an insensitive comparison at a time when concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa remain a sensitive issue.
The online confrontation has since generated widespread reactions, with users debating politics, music achievements and whether international awards should be used to measure an artiste’s success.
Political Exchange Sparks Online Clash
The disagreement began after presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to lift the court order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government following discussions with Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Reacting to the announcement, Davido, whose uncle Governor Adeleke is contesting the forthcoming Osun State governorship election under the Accord Party, posted:
“I was there live! I witnessed history!!!”
Ahmad, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), responded by saying he had bookmarked the post for future reference.
“This tweet is bookmarked. It will serve as a reference for future events. I know you will come back here to lament if the August 15 results don’t go your way,” he wrote.
Politics Gives Way To Personal Jabs
Davido fired back, alleging that election results could be manipulated.
“Of course, because same way you clowns can call the INEC Chairman to write Election results… guy free me my own no good,” he wrote.
The singer also mocked Ahmad’s previous performance during a political primary election, saying:
“U got 16 votes bro in primaries!!”
Rather than continuing the political argument, Ahmad shifted the conversation toward Davido’s music career.
Sharing an image of a Grammy Award, he questioned the singer’s inability to win despite receiving multiple nominations.
“We have talked enough about the number of votes I got in my primaries. Can we now talk about the number of Grammy Awards you have won from your five nominations, David? Fair is fair,” Ahmad wrote.
Davido Defends His Career
Davido rejected the suggestion that Grammy Awards are the ultimate measure of success.
According to the singer, his achievements extend beyond trophies.
“You measure success by one award. I measure it by sold-out arenas, billions of streams, global influence, and people singing my songs across continents.”
He also criticised Ahmad’s political career, claiming the former presidential aide failed to make meaningful changes despite spending years in government.
“You spent 8yrs with the ex president and couldn’t make a change in your poverty stricken community.
“We all have different trophies Bashir, I’ll keep inspiring the young ones and generations to come while you wait for the next government job to get crumbs,” Davido wrote.
Tyla Comparison Triggers Outrage
The conversation took another turn when Ahmad shared an AI-generated image showing Davido holding a Grammy Award before posting a photograph of South African singer Tyla holding her own Grammy trophy with the caption:
“Water. @davido.”
The post immediately attracted criticism from many Nigerians, who argued that using a South African artiste to mock a Nigerian musician was inappropriate.
Several users pointed out that if Ahmad intended to compare Grammy achievements, he could have referenced Nigerian winners such as Burna Boy, Wizkid or Tems instead.
Many described the comparison as unnecessary, particularly considering previous incidents involving xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
Social Media Users React
The backlash intensified as users flooded the comment section with criticism.
One user, @Muhammad_2005__, wrote:
“Imagine. Stop shaming us please.”
Another, @TheFactTech90, commented:
“You’re so insensitive.”
User @Abba_tx described the post as “So annoying,” while @femi1055 wrote:
“You’re disgraceful for this post.”
Others questioned Ahmad’s decision to involve Tyla.
One commenter wrote:
“If you wanted to compare Grammys, why not use Burna Boy, Wizkid or Tems instead of a South African?”
Another added:
“Using Tyla against a fellow Nigerian at this time is unnecessary.”
Some users also revisited Davido’s criticism of Ahmad’s political record, quoting the singer’s remarks about his years in government.
Debate Extends Beyond Awards
While a few users defended Ahmad’s right to criticise Davido’s Grammy record, the incident has sparked broader conversations about how success should be measured in the music industry.
Many argued that awards are only one aspect of an artiste’s career, noting that commercial success, sold-out concerts, streaming numbers and global influence also define musical achievement.
The exchange also highlighted how political disagreements involving celebrities can quickly spill into entertainment conversations, drawing passionate reactions from supporters on both sides.
Despite the controversy, neither Davido nor Bashir Ahmad has indicated any intention of ending the public feud, leaving social media users closely following what could become another chapter in one of the week’s most talked-about online exchanges.
#Davido
#BashirAhmad
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