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By News Desk

ABUJA, Nigeria — Human rights organization Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over comments threatening to force out residents who refuse to join or vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The condemnation followed the circulation of a video in which Shekwolo declared that support for the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration is compulsory for anyone residing in the council area.

Controversial Statements by Council Chairman

In the viral footage, Shekwolo asserted that residents would not be allowed to remain in Kuje if they intend to vote against the governing party:

• Ultimatum to Residents: “I have said in my area council that it’s either you are doing APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all,” Shekwolo stated in the video.
• Justification: The chairman justified his position by referencing infrastructure and developmental initiatives undertaken by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike across the Federal Capital Territory.
• Direct Warnings: Shekwolo added: “I cannot have the minister and the president doing what they are doing, then on the day of the election, you will now say you want to match me out. I will not agree. It’s either you are with us, or you are against us.”

Amnesty International’s Response and Security Call

Reacting via an official statement on Tuesday, Amnesty International characterized the chairman’s remarks as an incitement to political violence and a breach of constitutional rights:

• Direct Threat to Liberty: The rights body described the remarks as a direct attack on freedom of association and personal liberty, emphasizing that no public official has the authority to make residency conditional on party loyalty.
• Call for Security Action: Amnesty International urged the Nigeria Police Force and relevant security agencies to intervene immediately to forestall any planned violence or voter intimidation in the Kuje Area Council.
• Demand for Accountability: Labeling the chairman a “danger to society,” the organization demanded that authorities investigate Shekwolo and hold him accountable for threatening the safety and political freedoms of citizens.

Neither the Office of the FCT Minister nor the All Progressives Congress leadership in the Federal Capital Territory has issued an official response regarding the council chairman’s remarks.