The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has sparked controversy after warning residents opposed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the council ahead of the 2027 general election.
Shekwolo issued the warning in a video circulating on social media, declaring that he would not tolerate residents working against the APC or President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.
Shekwolo argued that the Tinubu administration and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have carried out development projects in Kuje, and said residents should reciprocate by supporting the ruling party at the polls.
He described his position as non-negotiable and said he would use his office to resist opposition to the APC within the council during the 2027 election.
“I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all,” Shekwolo said. Questioning why residents would reject the APC despite the projects, he added: “I cannot have the Minister and the President doing what they are doing, then on the day of the election, you will now say you want to match me. I will not agree. It’s either you are with us or you are against us.”
The remarks follow earlier public attention on Shekwolo over an appointment within the council.
He had appointed Ibrahim Danladi as Special Assistant on Dance, in a letter referenced KAC/CHM/30/VOL.1, citing Danladi’s “selflessness, hard work, dedication, and contribution to the development of Kuje Area Council.”
The appointment took immediate effect.
Amnesty International Condemns Remarks As A Rights Violation
Amnesty International has condemned Shekwolo’s comments, describing them as a threat to fundamental rights that could endanger residents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the rights group said tying a person’s right to live in Kuje to APC membership or support violates constitutional freedoms of association and personal liberty.
“Authoritatively saying that those who will not vote APC must leave Kuje Area Council is a call to violence and direct attack on freedom of association and liberty of persons,” the organisation said.
Amnesty International called on the police and other security agencies to intervene immediately and hold the council chairman accountable, warning that any attempt to act on the threat could put residents’ lives at risk.
The group said Nigerians have a constitutional right to choose their political affiliations freely, without intimidation or coercion, adding pressure on federal authorities to respond as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls.
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