Amnesty International Condemns Kuje Chairman’s Alleged Threat Over Support Against APC

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over an alleged threat to drive out residents who refuse to join or vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The controversy stems from a video circulating on social media in which Shekwolo can be heard saying, “I’ve said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I’m not hiding it at all.”

The remarks, which surfaced ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, quickly drew widespread outrage online.

The organization went further, branding Shekwolo “a danger to society” and insisting he must be held accountable for threatening violence against residents based on their political choices.

It also stressed that political affiliation should not determine whether a person has the right to live in a particular community, and that citizens must be free to make their own political decisions without fear of reprisal.

Amnesty International called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, including the Department of State Services, to intervene immediately to prevent any violence against Kuje residents over their political choices.

The group warned that any attempt to unleash violence on those not supporting the APC in Kuje would have wider impact and put lives at risk .

The statement from the council chairman has renewed concerns about political intimidation at the grassroots level as parties intensify preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with critics questioning whether local officials are using their positions to pressure residents into political conformity.