By A1NEWS International
ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over an alleged statement directing residents opposed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “leave the area council.”
The NHRC said the reported remark—made by the council chairman in a video circulating online—constitutes intimidation, undermines constitutional guarantees, and violates democratic principles, insisting the law prohibits political discrimination in residency and association.
Reported Remark Sparks Rights Concern
According to the NHRC, the video shows Hon. Shekwolo telling residents that they must either support the APC or exit the area council. The Commission quoted the chairman as saying:
“It’s either you are with us or you are against us.”
The NHRC further said the chairman portrayed non-APC residents as opponents and indicated they should not remain in the locality.
NHRC Says Statement Is Unconstitutional, Null and Void
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, described the statement as an assault on constitutional rights and a direct assault on the values of a democratic society.
He said the 1999 Constitution guarantees Nigerians freedom of association and the right to belong to any political party of their choice under Section 40. The Commission also pointed to Section 41, which protects freedom of movement and the right to reside anywhere in Nigeria, and Section 42, which bars discrimination on grounds including political opinion.
“No chairman, governor, or president has the authority to banish a citizen from their community because of political affiliation or views,” the NHRC stressed, adding that such pronouncements are unconstitutional, null and void.
The Commission Links the Remark to Possible Criminal Offences
NHRC also alleged the utterance may amount to offences under Nigerian law, citing provisions including:
Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibit threats and intimidation intended to influence voters;
Section 416 of the Penal Code, on inciting disturbance of public peace; and
Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, covering the dissemination of statements capable of causing disruption to law and order.
The NHRC warned that political “us versus them” rhetoric can act as a precursor to violence, noting that language of exclusion often escalates rapidly when left unchecked.
Call for Arrest and Protective Measures Ahead of 2027
In view of the foregoing, the NHRC demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo through the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commission also urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately investigate the matter and put protective measures in place to prevent harassment, profiling, intimidation, or disenfranchisement of residents in Kuje ahead of the 2027 elections.
APC and FCT Administration Urged to Disassociate
NHRC additionally called on APC leadership and the FCT Administration to issue a clear public disassociation, emphasizing that party affiliation is not—and cannot be—a condition for residency or access to public services.
Rights Reminder for Kuje Residents
The NHRC reassured residents of Kuje that their rights remain protected under the law. Chief Ojukwu reiterated that Nigerians are entitled to belong to any political party of their choice, live in Kuje, and should not be forced to “trade” constitutional rights for development projects.
He encouraged residents who face any threat or intimidation to report such incidents through the Commission’s toll-free line 6472, or through the nearest NHRC office in the FCT.
The NHRC maintained that if political leaders weaponize office to intimidate citizens or threaten non-party members, law enforcement must act swiftly. With the matter now before relevant authorities, the Commission signaled that it will not wait for the situation to escalate into violence.
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