The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) expresses deep concern and unequivocally condemns the reported statement by the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, directing residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the Area Council.

In a publicly circulating video, the Chairman is heard declaring: “It’s either you are doing APC or leave the Area Council,” while vowing not to tolerate residents who “work against” the APC. This statement is reckless, provocative and dangerous. It raises serious concerns about political intolerance, abuse of public office, violation of citizens’ rights, and the safety of opposition supporters.

As an elected official, the Chairman is constitutionally obligated to serve all residents of Kuje—regardless of their political affiliation. Kuje Area Council is not the private property of any political party. No Nigerian should be forced to choose between supporting a particular party and enjoying their constitutional right to live peacefully in any community.

Constitutional and Legal Violations

CHRICED reminds public officials that:

• Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of association, including the right to support any political party.
• Section 41 guarantees every citizen the right to move freely and reside anywhere in Nigeria.
• Section 42 prohibits discrimination on grounds including political opinion.

Furthermore, Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026 criminalises threats, intimidation or the use of force to compel political support. Violations attract fines or imprisonment. Statements such as the one made in Kuje fall squarely within conduct that the law seeks to prevent.

A Disturbing Pattern of Inflammatory Rhetoric

CHRICED is alarmed that this incident fits into a growing pattern of inflammatory statements by political leaders. Recent examples include:

• Governor Okpebholo of Edo State threatening opposition members not to enter the state without his permission.
• Similar remarks by the Governor of Benue State.
• The reckless comment by Minister Nyesom Wike suggesting that Osun State could have been “captured” if the President had deployed him.
• The viral video of Senator Francis Fadahunsi in Osun State, interpreted as inciting violence against Accord Party members ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

In all these cases, the APC leadership maintained a troubling silence. This silence is dangerous. It signals tolerance for political intimidation and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions.

The consequences of such rhetoric are not theoretical. Ahead of the Osun election, 29 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives in 73 election‑related violent incidents. In such an environment, political leaders must understand that careless statements can escalate into real violence.

The Cost of Impunity

When politicians make inflammatory statements, deny them later, and face no meaningful accountability, it breeds impunity. It encourages others to believe they can threaten citizens without consequences. The Kuje incident must not be dismissed as mere political talk. A public official telling residents to support a party or leave their community is a direct threat to peaceful coexistence and democratic participation.

Peace Accords Must Mean Something

CHRICED is also concerned about the growing ineffectiveness of political peace accords. These agreements cannot remain ceremonial documents signed for cameras while party officials and supporters freely issue threats. Candidates and party leaders must take responsibility for the conduct of their political structures and immediately condemn inflammatory rhetoric.

Call to Action

With Nigeria entering the build‑up to the 2027 general elections, urgent action is required to prevent escalation.

CHRICED therefore calls on:

1. The Nigeria Police Force, DSS, INEC and other relevant authorities
   • to immediately investigate the Kuje Chairman’s statement;
   • to determine whether it violates the Constitution, Electoral Act or any other law;
   • and to take appropriate legal action where wrongdoing is established. Local government chairmen do not enjoy constitutional immunity.

1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC
   • to publicly condemn the statement;
   • and to affirm that support for the APC is not a condition for residence, access to public services or peaceful existence in any part of Nigeria.

1. Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo
   • to withdraw the statement,
   • apologise to residents,
   • and reaffirm their right to support any political party of their choice.

1. INEC, security agencies, the National Peace Committee and political parties
   • to strengthen monitoring mechanisms for inflammatory political speech;
   • and to ensure that violations of peace commitments attract consequences.

Democracy Must Not Be Undermined

Nigerians must be able to participate in politics without fear of eviction, intimidation or violence. Political competition should be about ideas, policies and votes—not threats, exclusion or coercion.

If security agencies fail to investigate this incident and take appropriate action, it will send a dangerous signal ahead of 2027: that ruling party officials are beyond accountability and free to intimidate citizens without consequence.

CHRICED urges authorities to act now—before political rhetoric becomes political violence. The time to prevent electoral violence is before citizens are attacked, not after.

Signed:

Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi

Executive Director

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)