NHRC Demands Arrest Of Kuje Chairman Over ‘Vote APC Or Relocate’ Threat

NHRC Demands Arrest of Kuje Chairman Over ‘Vote APC or Relocate’ Threat The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over alleged threats that residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress APC should leave the council. The commission described the reported remarks as an act of intimidation and a direct assault on Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles ahead of the 2027 general elections. Shekwolo reportedly made the comments in a video circulating online, where he told residents that they must either support the APC or leave the area council. He was quoted as saying that he would not accept residents opposing the ruling party during the 2027 election, while also referencing development projects being carried out by the Federal Government. Reacting to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute the council chairman. Ojukwu said no public official has the constitutional authority to banish Nigerians from their communities because of their political affiliation or opinions. The commission noted that the Constitution guarantees citizens’ freedom of association, freedom of movement and protection from discrimination based on political opinion. The NHRC also warned that threats by public officials against citizens who hold different political views could create an “us versus them environment and potentially escalate political tensions and violence ahead of the 2027 elections. According to the commission, the alleged remarks may also have criminal implications under provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, the Penal Code and the Cybercrimes Act. These laws contain provisions relating to threats and intimidation aimed at influencing voters, incitement and communications capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. The NHRC further called on the Department of State Services DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to investigate the matter and put protective measures in place to prevent the harassment, profiling, intimidation or disenfranchisement of Kuje residents ahead of the 2027 elections. The commission also urged the APC leadership and the Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA to publicly dissociate themselves from the alleged remarks. Ojukwu stressed that government development projects should not be used as a tool to purchase political loyalty or force citizens to support a particular political party. Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria AIN also criticised the reported comments, describing the alleged attempt to make APC support a condition for residents to live peacefully and exercise their civic rights as unlawful. AIN called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that politicians and public officials who threaten, incite or carry out politically motivated violence or human rights abuses are held accountable. The controversy comes as political parties and political actors intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns growing over threats, intimidation and the use of political influence to restrict citizens’ freedom to choose candidates and parties.