Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has praised Afrobeats star Davido for using his international platform to draw attention to Nigeria's persistent security challenges.

Obi's commendation followed Davido's appearance at a FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where the award-winning singer wore a custom-made black leather jacket bearing the message, "BRING THEM HOME," alongside the names of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Monday, June 15, Obi described the gesture as a powerful act of advocacy that brought global attention to the plight of vulnerable Nigerians affected by insecurity.

The former Anambra State governor also linked Nigeria's absence from the World Cup to what he described as a failure of political leadership to create an enabling environment for the country's talented youth.

"Nigeria's absence from the World Cup stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development," Obi stated.

According to him, the strong presence of Nigerian artists at the tournament and the participation of Nigerians representing other countries on the field demonstrate the country's immense human potential and the need for leaders to invest more in youth development.

Obi particularly commended Davido for leveraging his global reach to advocate for the safe return of the abducted victims.

"By utilizing his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria's security crisis, transcending mere entertainment," he said.

The Labour Party chieftain further noted that the country's worsening insecurity deserves greater international attention, while expressing optimism that Nigeria can overcome its challenges through effective leadership and renewed commitment to national development.

Davido's symbolic appearance at the FIFA event has since generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians applauding the singer for using a major global stage to amplify calls for the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.