Support APC or leave, FCT Council Chair Threatens Residents

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, has come under criticism after saying residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress should leave the council.

Shekwolo made the comment in a video shared on X, where he said he would not tolerate opposition from residents who, according to him, had benefited from the interventions of President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

“I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you,” he said.

“I cannot have the minister and the president doing for us what they are doing, and on the day of the election you now come and say you want to match me. I will not agree. It is either you are with us.”

The remarks have triggered condemnation from Amnesty International Nigeria, which said political affiliation must not be a condition for anyone to live in Kuje.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, the organisation described Shekwolo’s comments as an attack on residents’ freedom of association and political choice and called on security agencies to intervene.

Amnesty said no public official had the authority to determine where Nigerians could live based on their political affiliation or voting preference.

“Authoritatively saying that those who will not vote APC must leave Kuje Area Council is a call to violence and direct attack on freedom of association and liberty of persons,” the organisation said.

It warned that any attempt to use violence or intimidation against residents over their political choices could put lives at risk.

“No one has the right to make a living in a place in Nigeria tied to joining or voting for one political party. The police and other security agencies must immediately halt this plan to use violence on people for their political choices,” Amnesty said.

The rights organisation also accused the council chairman of threatening residents who may not support the APC and called for accountability.

“This plan to unleash violence on those who are not supporting APC in Kuje Area Council will have wider impact and will put lives at risk. People’s right to political choices must be respected and upheld,” it added.

Shekwolo was elected Kuje Area Council chairman in February on the APC platform. He polled 17,269 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Zakwoyi Danlami, who secured 15,824 votes.