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 a statement allegedly directing residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.
In a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC described the remark as an intimidation of citizens and a direct assault on the Nigerian Constitution and democratic principles.
Shekwolo was reportedly heard in a video circulating online saying: “I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council,” adding that residents were either “with us or against us.”
The Chairman also reportedly expressed opposition to residents challenging his political position during elections, citing the development activities of the President and FCT Minister.
Reacting, Ojukwu said the statement was unconstitutional, stressing that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of association and to belong to any political party of their choice.
He added that Section 41 guarantees freedom of movement and the right to reside in any part of Nigeria, while Section 42 prohibits discrimination on the basis of political opinion.
According to the NHRC, no council chairman, governor or president has the power to banish a citizen from a community because of the person’s political affiliation or views.
The Commission further alleged that the statement could constitute offences under Nigerian law, citing Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 on threats and intimidation aimed at influencing voters, Section 416 of the Penal Code on inciting disturbance of public peace, and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015.
Ojukwu warned that political rhetoric that creates an “us and them” environment could fuel hostility and violence against citizens who hold opposing political views.
He said public officers had a constitutional duty to protect the rights of all citizens and should not weaponise their offices against political opponents.
The NHRC Executive Secretary also stressed that as council chairman, Shekwolo swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve all residents of Kuje without discrimination.
He said federal government or FCT Administration development projects must not be used as instruments to compel political loyalty or undermine citizens’ constitutional rights.
Consequently, the Commission demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Kuje Area Council chairman by the Nigeria Police Force.
It also called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and introduce measures to prevent harassment, profiling or disenfranchisement of Kuje residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NHRC further urged the APC leadership and the FCT Administration to publicly dissociate themselves from the alleged statement and reaffirm that political affiliation cannot be a condition for residency or access to public services.
The Commission assured Kuje residents that their rights remain protected under the law, stressing that Nigerians have the right to belong to any political party of their choice and to reside in Kuje regardless of their political affiliation.
Ojukwu urged anyone who experiences threats or intimidation to contact the NHRC through its toll-free line, 6472, or visit the nearest Commission office in the FCT.
