The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has warned residents who may oppose the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections to leave the area council.
Shekwolo issued the warning in a video circulating on social media, where he declared that he would not tolerate residents working against the ruling party or President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election.
The council chairman said the administration of Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had undertaken developmental projects in Kuje, arguing that residents should reciprocate the efforts by supporting the APC at the polls.
He maintained that his position was non-negotiable, saying he would use his office to resist any opposition to the APC within the area council during the 2027 elections.
“I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all,” Shekwolo said.
The chairman questioned why residents would reject the APC at the polls despite what he described as the developmental interventions of the President and the FCT minister in the area.
“You know why? 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. I will not agree,” he said.
Shekwolo added: “It’s either you are with us or you are against us.”
His comments come as political activities and mobilisation intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties and their supporters already positioning themselves for the contest.
The chairman has also previously attracted public attention over an appointment made within the area council.
Shekwolo appointed Ibrahim Danladi as Special Assistant on Dance, according to an appointment letter referenced KAC/CHM/30/VOL.1.
The letter said the appointment was in recognition of Danladi’s “selflessness, hard work, dedication, and contribution to the development of Kuje Area Council.”
“With pleasure, I wish to inform you that you have been appointed as Special Assistant (Dance) with immediate effect,” the letter read.
It added that Danladi was expected to justify the confidence reposed in him by diligently discharging the responsibilities of the office.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), through its Mining Marshals unit, has shut down an illegal quarrying site operating within Kuje Area Council.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 persons suspected of involvement in the unlawful activity.
According to a statement issued by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, the suspects were allegedly working for a company that encroached on and exploited a quarry lease belonging to another licensed operator.
Onoja said the illegal operation had reportedly continued for more than seven months without the required legal documentation.
“This operation underscores our commitment to zero tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector. We will not allow any individual or company to take the law into their own hands or deprive legitimate operators of their lawful rights,” he said.
The NSCDC said the suspects had been charged to court and were awaiting formal arraignment as investigations continued.
The Mining Marshals operation forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country, with the authorities seeking to enforce compliance with mining regulations and curb environmental degradation, revenue losses and threats to public safety.
Onoja warned mining operators to comply with existing laws and regulations, stressing that the corps would continue to identify, investigate and prosecute violators.
“Let this serve as a warning to all illegal operators. The era of impunity in the mining sector is over. We will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute all violators, no matter how remote or discreet their operations may be,” he said.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement in the mining sector and protecting legitimate operators and national resources.