Kuje Council Chairman Faces Backlash Over APC Ultimatum to Residents

Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, has drawn sharp criticism after issuing a directive that residents of the council must align with the All Progressives Congress or depart the area. In a video recording circulating online ahead of the 2027 elections, Shekwolo stated that there is no room within Kuje for those unwilling to openly support the ruling party or President Bola Tinubu.

The council chairman anchored his position on development initiatives attributed to the Tinubu administration and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the area. According to accounts of his remarks, Shekwolo framed APC support as a prerequisite for remaining in the council, making his statement a condition tied to residency.

Amnesty International issued a formal condemnation of Shekwolo's statements, describing them as a direct violation of residents' right to freedom of association and personal liberty. The rights body characterized his remarks as an assault on basic freedoms and stated that no public official possesses the authority to make residency conditional upon membership of or loyalty to any single political party. Amnesty International further described Shekwolo's warning as an open call to violence and classified him as a danger to society.

The controversy reflects ongoing tensions between electoral politics and constitutional protections in Nigeria. Shekwolo's ultimatum stands in contrast to Nigeria's constitutional guarantees of political participation rights and freedom from discrimination based on party affiliation. The incident has not yet prompted any known response from Kuje Area Council administration or the APC leadership at the time of reporting.