Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and human rights activist, Usman Okai Austin, has issued a strong call to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging him to caution the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over inflammatory comments that critics say threaten the democratic rights of residents. Okai made the demand in a statement on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following the circulation of a viral video in which Shekwolo allegedly warned residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress to leave the area council ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC chieftain described the remarks as "uncalled for" and "highly dangerous," warning that such rhetoric could escalate political tensions and trigger violence if not promptly addressed by the relevant authorities.
In the widely shared video, Shekwolo was heard declaring, "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". The council chairman justified his position by citing development projects executed in Kuje by the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and vowed to use his authority to resist any attempts by residents to campaign or vote against the APC. He further reinforced his stance, stating, "It's either you are with us or you are against us".
Reacting to the video, Okai expressed deep concern over the chairman's alleged threat to track down and attack critics on social media, noting that such conduct was unbecoming of an elected leader. "The Federal Capital Territory is home to all Nigerians, as well as the international community. We must not allow anyone to escalate tensions," Okai said. He stressed that public officials, particularly those entrusted with grassroots leadership, should be mindful of their utterances and avoid statements capable of creating division within their communities. "Being a local government chairman does not mean one should lack administrative civility. Kuje is known for peace and tolerance, and the leadership must reflect that," he added.
Okai urged Shekwolo to exercise restraint and promote peace, tolerance and inclusiveness among residents, regardless of their political affiliations. He also advised the council chairman to emulate political leaders known for peaceful engagement and dialogue, citing former FCT Senator Philip Aduda as an example. The ADC chieftain further called on security agencies to look into the alleged comments and, if necessary, invite the council chairman to clarify his position, a step he said would help prevent further escalation and reinforce the responsibility of political officeholders to promote peace.
The controversy has drawn widespread condemnation from residents and opposition politicians, who have described the chairman's remarks as an infringement on their constitutional right to political association and freedom of choice. Philip Waziri, Chairman of the ADC in Kuje Area Council, told Daily Sun that although the party would issue an official response after studying the video, Shekwolo's statement was inappropriate for an elected leader. "We are in a democracy where everyone has the right and freedom of association," Waziri said, adding that the Constitution guarantees Nigerians the freedom to belong to political parties of their choice.
Amnesty International has also condemned Shekwolo's remarks, describing them as a direct attack on residents' freedom of association and political choice. The human rights organisation called on security agencies to intervene immediately, warning that the threat could have wider implications and put lives at risk. As the controversy continues to unfold, Okai has appealed to Wike and other relevant authorities to intervene before the situation escalates, stressing that responsible leadership requires restraint, tolerance and respect for divergent political views. 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.
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