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Drums of Anarchy: NHRC Wants Arrest, Prosecution of Kuje Council Chairman Over Intimidating Statement
By Gabriel Kekong
Abuja (Core Reporters) — 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 an alleged intimidating statement directing residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.
The Commission described the statement as an alleged threat capable of undermining democratic rights, warning that such rhetoric by a public office holder could heighten tension and fuel political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a video circulating online, Shekwolo was heard saying that residents must either support the APC or leave the area council.
“I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all… It’s either you are with us or you are against us,” he was quoted as saying.
He further stated: “I cannot have the Minister and the President doing what they are doing, then on the day of the election, you will now say you want to match me. I will not agree.”
Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, (SAN) described the statement as an act of intimidation and a direct assault on the Constitution and democratic principles.
Ojukwu said Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of association and to belong to a political party of their choice.
He also cited Section 41, which guarantees freedom of movement and the right to reside in any part of the country, as well as Section 42, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of political opinion.
According to him, no public official has the constitutional authority to banish a citizen from a community on account of political affiliation or opinion.
The Commission further alleged that the statement may constitute offences under existing Nigerian laws, including Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibit threats and intimidation intended to influence voters.
It also cited Section 416 of the Penal Code on inciting disturbance of public peace and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 concerning the circulation of statements capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The NHRC warned that when a public officer creates an “us and them” situation and threatens citizens who hold opposing political views, the office of government could be used to intimidate and discriminate against residents.
Ojukwu said the Commission would not wait for such rhetoric to escalate into violence, stressing that the protection of citizens’ rights must remain paramount.
He further noted that as Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Shekwolo swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve all residents without discrimination.
The NHRC also cautioned that development projects executed by the Federal Government or the FCT Administration must not be used as instruments for demanding political loyalty or overriding citizens’ constitutional rights.
Consequently, the Commission demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Shekwolo 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 put protective measures in place to prevent harassment, profiling or disenfranchisement of Kuje residents ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NHRC equally urged the APC leadership and the FCT Administration to publicly dissociate themselves from any suggestion that party affiliation is a condition for residency or access to public services in Kuje.
Reassuring residents of the area council, Ojukwu said their rights remained protected under the law, stressing that Nigerians were free to belong to any political party of their choice and could not be compelled to exchange their constitutional rights for infrastructure or development projects.
He encouraged anyone experiencing threats or intimidation to contact the Commission through its toll-free line, 6472, or visit the nearest NHRC office in the FCT.
