Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
NHRC) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over a viral video in which he told residents to either support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council area.
In a widely circulated video, Shekwolo was heard declaring: "I have said in my area council, it's either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you. With confidence, I am saying it. You know why? I cannot have the minister and president doing for us what they are doing... On the day of election, you now come and say you want to match me. I will not agree. It is either you are with us, or you are not here".
Shekwolo, who was elected Kuje Area Council chairman on the APC platform in the February 2026 FCT Area Council election, linked infrastructural benefits from President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to political loyalty, warning residents against voting for the opposition.
Reacting to the remarks, NHRC Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described them as "intimidation and direct assault on the Constitution and on democratic principles". He said no leader had the right to banish citizens from their communities for their political affiliations.
Ojukwu cited Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of association, freedom of movement and residence, and protection against discrimination based on political opinion. He stressed that no public officeholder—whether council chairman, governor or president—has the constitutional power to banish a citizen from their community over political affiliation.
The NHRC also noted that Shekwolo's statement potentially violates multiple Nigerian laws, including Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which bar threats and intimidation intended to influence voters; Section 416 of the Penal Code, on inciting a breach of public peace; and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015. The commission warned that when a public officer draws an "us versus them" line and threatens dissenters, "he is weaponising his office and fueling the embers of violence and hatred".
The NHRC called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute Shekwolo. It also urged the Department of State Services, the Police, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and institute protective measures against the harassment, profiling, or disenfranchisement of Kuje residents ahead of the 2027 elections. The commission further called on the APC leadership and the FCT Administration to publicly disassociate themselves from the chairman's remarks.
Amnesty International has also strongly condemned Shekwolo's remarks, describing them as "a direct threat to lives and an attack on freedom of association and liberty of persons". The human rights group urged the police and other security agencies to "immediately halt this plan to use violence on people for their political choices". Amnesty further described Shekwolo as "a danger to society" and criticised the alleged failure of security agencies to hold him to account.
Yiaga Africa also condemned the remarks as "irresponsible, inflammatory and highly condemnable," stressing that no public official should threaten a citizen's right to reside in any part of Nigeria because of their political choice.
Shekwolo has since made a U-turn, denying that he threatened to expel residents who do not support the APC. He said the comments were made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists and were taken out of context. "At no point did I intend to cause disaffection, undermine any group, or promote policies that do not serve the best interest of our citizens," he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to governing all communities in Kuje on the principles of inclusion and fairness, regardless of political differences.
However, the NHRC has maintained its demand for his arrest and prosecution, stressing that development projects cannot be used to buy people's loyalty or coerce them into political affiliations. Ojukwu assured Kuje residents that their rights remain protected under the law, stressing that no one is obligated to join the APC to live in the area council. He urged anyone facing threats or intimidation to reach the Commission via its toll-free line, 6472.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments