Follow Us on Google
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over a viral statement in which he warned residents to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council area.
In a widely circulated video, Shekwolo is heard declaring that residents must either support the APC or vacate the area council, insisting, “It’s either you are with us or you are against us.”
He further linked infrastructural benefits from the Minister and the President to political loyalty, warning against opposition come election time.
Reacting, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described the remarks as an act of intimidation and a direct assault on the Constitution and democratic principles.
He cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association and the right to belong to any political party; Section 41, which protects freedom of movement and residence; and Section 42, which prohibits discrimination based on political opinion.
Ojukwu stressed that no public officeholder, whether council chairman, governor or president, has the constitutional power to banish a citizen from their community over political affiliation, adding that any such pronouncement is “unconstitutional, null and void.”
The Commission further noted that the statement potentially violates multiple provisions of Nigerian law, including Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which bar threats and intimidation intended to influence voters; Section 416 of the Penal Code, on inciting a breach of public peace; and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, which addresses the circulation of statements capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
Ojukwu warned that when a public officer draws an “us versus them” line and threatens dissenters, he weaponises his office and stokes the embers of violence and hatred against non-APC residents, adding that such rhetoric has historically escalated from words to bloodshed—a pattern the Commission says it will not wait to see repeat itself.
Other News
He reminded Shekwolo that his oath of office binds him to uphold the Constitution and serve all residents of Kuje without discrimination, and that federal or FCT development projects must never be used as leverage to purchase political loyalty or override citizens’ constitutional rights.
The Commission is calling on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute Shekwolo.
It also urged the Department of State Services, the Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and institute protective measures against the harassment, profiling or disenfranchisement of Kuje residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NHRC further called on the APC leadership and the FCT Administration to publicly disassociate themselves from the Chairman’s remarks and affirm that party membership is not, and cannot be, a condition for residency or access to public services.
Ojukwu assured Kuje residents that their rights remain protected under the law, stressing that no one is obligated to join the APC to live in the area council, and that no resident should be made to trade constitutional rights for infrastructure.
He urged anyone facing threats or intimidation to reach the Commission via its toll-free line, 6472, or at the nearest NHRC office within the FCT.
