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 his alleged directive that residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) should leave the council.
The Commission described the alleged remarks as an unconstitutional attack on citizens’ fundamental rights and a potential threat to democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NHRC Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said the statement, which has circulated widely in a video online, amounted to intimidation and an attempt to use public office against citizens holding political views different from those of the council chairman.
In the video, Shekwolo is allegedly heard telling residents that they must either support the APC or leave the area council, while also suggesting that opposition to the party would not be tolerated during the election period.
Reacting to the development, Ojukwu said the alleged position was incompatible with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ rights to freedom of association, movement and protection from discrimination on the basis of political opinion.
He specifically referenced Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the Constitution, which protect the rights to freedom of association, freedom of movement and freedom from discrimination.
According to the NHRC boss, no council chairman, governor or even the President has the constitutional authority to expel or banish Nigerians from their communities because of their political affiliation or personal political views.
Ojukwu further said the alleged remarks could have criminal implications, citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, the Penal Code and the Cybercrimes Act relating to threats, intimidation, incitement and communications capable of causing public disorder.
He warned that political rhetoric capable of creating an “us versus them” environment could fuel violence, particularly as the country moves closer to another potentially competitive election cycle.
“History has shown that such rhetoric often begins with words and ends in blood, and the NHRC will therefore not wait for it to escalate,” Ojukwu said.
The Commission also rejected any attempt to use government projects or public resources, including those funded by the Federal Government or the FCT Administration, as instruments for demanding political loyalty.
Ojukwu maintained that Shekwolo, having taken an oath of office, was constitutionally obligated to serve every resident of Kuje without discrimination, irrespective of political affiliation or personal political beliefs.
The NHRC consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate the matter and, where sufficient evidence is established, ensure the prosecution of the council chairman in accordance with the law.
It also urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the controversy and put measures in place to protect Kuje residents from harassment, political profiling, intimidation or possible disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission further called on the APC leadership and the FCT Administration to publicly clarify their positions on the alleged statement and reaffirm that membership of, or support for, any political party cannot be made a condition for residing in Kuje or accessing public services.
The NHRC assured residents of Kuje that their constitutional rights remained protected, stressing that Nigerians are free to belong to political parties of their choice without fear of expulsion, discrimination, intimidation or denial of public services.
It urged anyone facing threats or intimidation connected to the controversy to report the matter to the Commission through its toll-free line, 6472, or visit the nearest NHRC office in the Federal Capital Territory.
The controversy comes amid heightened political mobilisation by parties and political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections, renewing concerns about political intimidation and the potential use of public institutions and local government structures to exert pressure on citizens.
