Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has issued a direct and unflinching ultimatum to residents opposed to the All Progressives Congress, declaring that anyone who refuses to support the ruling party must leave the council ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Shekwolo stated that he would not tolerate any opposition to the APC or President Bola Tinubu's bid for re-election within the area council. The council chairman argued that residents should back the APC because of what he described as development projects carried out in Kuje by the Tinubu administration and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. "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 declared.
In the widely circulated video, Shekwolo questioned why residents would reject the APC at the polls despite what he described as interventions by the President and the FCT Minister in Kuje. "You know why? 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," he said. He further reinforced his position, declaring: "It's either you are with us or you are against us".
The comments have drawn widespread condemnation, with Amnesty International Nigeria describing Shekwolo's remarks as a direct attack on residents' freedom of association and political choice. In a statement posted on X, the human rights organisation said no public official had the right to determine where Nigerians could live based on their political affiliation or voting preference. "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," Amnesty declared. The organisation called on security agencies to intervene immediately, warning that the threat could have wider implications and put lives at risk.
The controversy comes amid intensifying political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their supporters already positioning themselves for the contest. Shekwolo, who was elected Kuje Area Council chairman on the APC platform in the February 2026 FCT Area Council election, polled 17,269 votes to defeat Zakwoyi Danlami of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got 15,824 votes. His latest remarks have drawn attention to the tone of political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly concerns that inflammatory statements by political leaders could heighten tension and undermine citizens' freedom to choose their preferred political parties.
Social media users have also reacted sharply to the council chairman's remarks. One Facebook user, Morohunkeji Adegbite, questioned: "So you mean there should not be opposition party in democracy?" Another user, Nijim Bisi, wrote: "This is a direct threat to lives. I hope DSS are seeing them now o". Banebo Ernest also weighed in, asking: "The real question now is: Where is our DSS?". As the controversy continues to unfold, Amnesty International has urged that Shekwolo be held accountable for his remarks. The organisation has also called on the police and other security agencies to immediately halt what it described as a plan to use violence against people for their political choices. The Kuje council chairman's warning has once again raised fundamental questions about the limits of political rhetoric and the responsibility of public officials to uphold democratic values, as Nigerians across the country watch closely to see whether authorities will take action against a threat that many view as an attack on the very foundations of democracy.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments