Amnesty condemns Kuje chairman over alleged ‘join APC or leave’ threat
Amnesty International has condemned the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the FCT, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over remarks in a video in which he allegedly threatened residents who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the video circulating online, Shekwolo is heard saying that residents must either support the APC or leave the area council. Reports say he linked his position to what he described as developmental projects by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Amnesty described the remarks as a call to violence and an attack on freedom of association and personal liberty. The organisation urged the police and other security agencies to intervene and prevent any attempt to use force or intimidation against residents because of their political choices.
The rights group also called for Shekwolo to be held accountable, warning that threats against residents over their political preferences could put lives at risk and have wider consequences.
Shekwolo was elected chairman of Kuje Area Council in the February 2026 FCT area council elections, securing 17,269 votes for the APC against 15,824 votes recorded by his closest challenger, the PDP candidate.
The controversy comes as political activities build ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with parties already intensifying mobilisation and campaigns.
Amnesty said citizens’ political choices must be respected and that no person’s right to live in any part of Nigeria should be made conditional on membership of, or support for, a political party.
