The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has come under fire after allegedly directing residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.
Shekwolo reportedly made the statement while speaking to an audience in a video that has gone viral on social media.
He was heard declaring: “In my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing it at all. That’s what I am saying.”
The statement has triggered widespread condemnation, with rights activists accusing the council chairman of threatening residents over their political preferences and undermining fundamental democratic freedoms.
Amnesty International Nigeria was among the first organisations to react, describing the remarks as a serious threat to freedom of association and the liberty of citizens.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation said it “strongly condemns” Shekwolo for allegedly threatening to drive out residents who refuse to join or vote for the APC.
Amnesty said: “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.”
It maintained that no public official had the right to make residency in any part of Nigeria conditional on membership or support for a political party.
The human rights organisation called on the police and other security agencies to act immediately to prevent any attempt to intimidate or use violence against residents on account of their political choices.
It further demanded that Shekwolo be held accountable, warning that threats against political opponents could escalate tensions and endanger lives in the area.
The statement has also generated a barrage of reactions on social media.
An X user, Bro. Bonaventure, described Shekwolo’s remarks as a direct threat to residents, insisting that political affiliation could not be used as a condition for living in Kuje.
“This is a direct threat to lives and an attack on freedom of association and liberty of persons. No one has the right to make living in a place in Nigeria tied to voting for one political party,” he said.
Another commentator, Ose Anenih, said the remarks were inconsistent with democratic principles.
“This is not only illegal, it is bad for our democracy,” Anenih wrote.
Dr Ay.com described the remarks as “gangster-like behaviour”, arguing that democracy should be built around the interests and choices of citizens.
Another X user, Timi Lagos, also condemned the statement and questioned whether such threats could amount to political intimidation.
The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising fresh concerns over the safety of political opponents and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Civil society groups and rights advocates have continued to urge political leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and allow Nigerians to freely associate with, support or reject political parties and candidates of their choice.
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