Amnesty International has sharply denounced the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, for its threat to push out citizens who refuse to join or vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The dispute is over a video circulating on social media in which Shekwolo was heard saying, “I’ve said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I’m not hiding it one bit.”
The comments, which appeared ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, sparked swift broad indignation online.
The organization didn’t stop there, and called Shekwolo “a danger to society” and that he be held accountable for threatening violence against residents for their private political decisions.
It also underlined the fact that one’s political affiliation should not be a factor in a person’s ability to reside in a certain community and that people should be able to make their own political judgements without fear of punishment.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security authorities including the Department of State Services to intervene immediately to stop any violence against the citizens of Kuje for their political choices.
The group cautioned that any attempt to unleash violence on individuals who do not support the APC in Kuje will have a larger impact and put lives in danger.
The council chairman’s statement has rekindled fears of political intimidation at the grassroots, as parties ramp up preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Critics are also asking if local officials are leveraging their positions to compel residents into political conformity.
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