By Faith Chondol
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo over alleged threats against residents who refuse to support or vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rights organisation made its position known on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in a statement published on its official Facebook page, following the emergence of a video in which Shekwolo reportedly told residents to either support the APC or leave the area council.
In the video, Shekwolo was heard saying that residents who would not support the APC should leave the council, while linking his position to what he described as the developmental efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Amnesty International described the remarks as a direct threat to residents’ lives and an attack on their freedom of association, liberty and right to make independent political choices.
The organisation said no one has the right to make residence in any part of Nigeria conditional on membership of, or support for, a particular political party.
Amnesty further urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene and prevent any attempt to intimidate, harass or use violence against residents because of their political preferences.
The rights group also called for Shekwolo to be held accountable, describing him as a “danger to society” over what it characterised as threats of violence against people who may refuse to vote for the APC.
Amnesty expressed concern that the alleged threat could create fear among residents and put lives at risk if authorities fail to act.
The organisation stressed that the Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect citizens and ensure respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and political participation.
It also called on authorities to ensure that elected officials and other political leaders who incite, threaten or participate in politically or ethnically motivated violence are held accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Amnesty warning that citizens must be allowed to freely determine their political allegiance without threats, intimidation or fear of violence.
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