Amnesty International has renewed its criticism of Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, accusing him of threatening democratic rights by allegedly intimidating residents who may not vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The human rights organisation expressed concern over what it described as the failure of Nigerian authorities to hold the council chairman accountable for allegedly threatening residents over their voting choices.
Amnesty International said the reported attack on an Accord Party political gathering in Kuje on Sunday further underscored the dangers posed by political violence and incitement ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The chairman of Kuje Area Council is a danger to democracy,” Amnesty said, describing his alleged attempt to make support for the APC a condition for residents to live peacefully and exercise their civic rights in Kuje as unlawful.
The organisation warned that failure to curb political intimidation and violence could expose residents to increasing political repression as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that politicians and other leaders, regardless of their political affiliation or association, are held accountable for carrying out, inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence and human rights abuses.
The organisation stressed that all citizens must be allowed to exercise their political and civic rights freely and without intimidation, threats or fear of reprisal.
It urged authorities to take decisive steps to prevent political violence and ensure accountability ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond.
