Amnesty International has strongly condemned the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over remarks in which he reportedly told residents that they must support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the area council.
The controversy followed a video circulated online 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 at all.” The remarks have generated widespread concern because they appear to link residents’ right to remain in their community with their political allegiance.
Amnesty International has described the statement as a direct threat to lives and an attack on freedom of association and the liberty of persons. The organisation stressed that no public official has the right to make residence in any part of Nigeria conditional upon support for, or voting for, a particular political party. It also called on the police and other security agencies to prevent any attempt to use violence or intimidation against people because of their political choices.
The seriousness of the issue extends beyond partisan politics. In a democracy, citizens are entitled to make political choices freely, associate with parties of their choice and participate in elections without fear of punishment, displacement or intimidation. The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful association, freedom of movement and the right to participate in government through genuinely free elections.
Similarly, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects citizens’ right to participate in public affairs and to vote in genuine, periodic elections by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of voters.
The reported comments are particularly troubling in the context of Nigeria’s approaching electoral cycle. Shekwolo was elected chairman of Kuje Area Council on the APC platform in February 2026, according to results reported following the FCT Area Council elections. Holding public office, however, carries responsibilities to serve all residents—not only supporters of the political party through which an office holder was elected.
Following the backlash, an aide to the chairman said the remarks had been taken out of context and that Shekwolo was merely encouraging residents to support the APC in appreciation of government projects. The aide also maintained that the chairman did not intend to deprive anyone of the right to vote for a candidate of their choice.
That explanation should not prevent appropriate authorities from independently examining the original statement, its context and any potential consequences. Political persuasion is legitimate in a democracy; threats, intimidation or coercion are not.
Security agencies must therefore not look the other way. Where credible evidence establishes that a public official threatened violence, forced displacement or unlawful intimidation because of political affiliation or voting preference, the appropriate authorities should investigate and, where warranted by the evidence and applicable law, ensure accountability.
The chairman’s reported remarks should serve as a reminder that political power must never become a licence to threaten citizens. Kuje belongs to all its residents, regardless of the political party they support.
Government has an obligation to ensure that, before, during and after elections, human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled in accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional framework and international human rights standards.
Democracy is ultimately about the freedom of citizens to choose—not the freedom of those in power to dictate that choice.
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