By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over a statement directing residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the council.
The Commission described the statement as unconstitutional, intimidating and capable of threatening democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shekwolo was heard in a video circulating online telling residents that they must either support the APC or leave the area council. He was also heard saying he would not accept a situation where residents would oppose him at the polls despite the Federal Government and the FCT Administration carrying out development projects in the area.
“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… It’s either you are with us or you are against us,” the chairman said in the video.
He 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. I will not agree.”
Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, said the statement amounted to intimidation and a direct assault on constitutional rights and democratic principles.
Ojukwu pointed to Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of association and to belong to any political party of their choice. He also cited Section 41, which guarantees freedom of movement and the right of Nigerians to reside in any part of the country, as well as Section 42, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of political opinion.
He said no council chairman, governor or president had the constitutional power to banish a citizen from a community because of the person’s political affiliation or views, stressing that any such pronouncement was unconstitutional and had no legal effect.
The NHRC further said the statement could amount to offences under several provisions of Nigerian law. It cited Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibit threats and intimidation intended to influence voters, Section 416 of the Penal Code relating to inciting disturbance of public peace, and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 concerning the circulation of statements capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
According to the Commission, public officers should not use their positions to create a division between supporters and opponents or threaten citizens who hold different political views.
Ojukwu warned that inflammatory political statements could create fear among residents and contribute to an atmosphere in which people are harassed, profiled or prevented from freely participating in elections.
He also reminded the Kuje chairman that his position required him to serve all residents of the area council without discrimination, noting that he had sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution.
The NHRC said development projects undertaken by the Federal Government or the FCT Administration must not be presented as a basis for demanding political loyalty from residents or used to limit their constitutional rights.
The Commission consequently demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Shekwolo by the Nigeria Police Force.
It also called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and introduce measures to protect Kuje residents from harassment, political profiling or disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NHRC further urged the APC leadership and the FCT Administration to publicly distance themselves from the chairman’s remarks and make it clear that political affiliation is not a condition for residing in Kuje or accessing public services.
The Commission assured residents of Kuje that their rights remained protected under Nigerian law and stressed that Nigerians were free to belong to any political party of their choice without being forced to surrender their rights in exchange for infrastructure or government services.
Ojukwu urged anyone who experiences threats or intimidation over political affiliation to report to the NHRC through its toll-free line, 6472, or at the Commission’s nearest office in the FCT.
