The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, has sparked controversy after telling residents that they should either support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections or leave the area council.
Shekwolo made the remarks last Friday while hosting leaders and candidates of the FCT Youth Network, a grassroots youth coalition operating across Abuja’s six area councils, ahead of the group’s leadership election scheduled for Saturday.
A video of the engagement later circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from human rights advocates and members of the public.
Addressing those present, the Kuje council chairman said residents should support the APC because, in his view, the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister had delivered development to the area.
“I have said in my area council, it’s either you’re doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you. With confidence, I am saying it,” Shekwolo said.
Explaining his position, he added: “You know why? I cannot have minister and president doing for us what they are doing.”
He continued: “On the day of election, you now come and say you want to match me. I will not agree. It is either you are with us, or you are not here.”
The remarks have generated backlash because citizens are constitutionally entitled to support and vote for political parties or candidates of their choice without intimidation or coercion.
The APC is Nigeria’s ruling party and also controls several of the six area councils in the FCT, including Kuje. The party is expected to face opposition parties in the 2027 general election.
Reacting to Shekwolo’s comments, Amnesty International warned that statements of that nature could contribute to social tension and potentially incite violence.
The organisation said public officials have a responsibility to protect the right of citizens to participate freely in elections without threats, intimidation or coercion.
According to Amnesty, voting rights must be “respected, protected and fulfilled, as guaranteed under international human rights law and standards and the country’s own Constitution.”
The organisation went further to describe Shekwolo’s remarks as dangerous and called for accountability.
Amnesty International also called on Nigerian security agencies to intervene and address the matter.
Amnesty International also called on Nigerian security agencies to intervene and address the matter.
The video equally triggered reactions across social media.
Commenting on X, Godswill Essien criticised what he described as political intimidation, arguing that elected officials should prioritise service delivery and community development rather than hostility towards residents who support different political parties.
Another commentator, Shittu Obassa, raised concern over how such remarks could affect political relations within the area council.
He questioned how the chairman intended to distinguish APC supporters from residents backing opposition parties and urged higher authorities in the FCT to caution him before the situation escalated.
“How does he identify APC followers and supporters distinctly from those who are against his party?” Obassa asked.