NHRC Seeks Prosecution Of Kuje Chairman Over Anti-Opposition Remark

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 a statement allegedly directing residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.

The Commission’s demand followed the circulation of a video in which Shekwolo was heard telling residents that they must either support the APC or leave Kuje Area Council.

“I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council,” the chairman was quoted as saying in the video. He also reportedly declared that residents opposed to his political position would not be allowed to challenge him during elections.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, described the statement as an act of intimidation and a direct assault on constitutional rights and democratic values.

Ojukwu said the 1999 Constitution guarantees Nigerians the freedom to associate and belong to any political party of their choice, citing Section 40. He also referred to Section 41, which guarantees freedom of movement and residence, and Section 42, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of political opinion.

According to him, no public office holder has the constitutional authority to expel or threaten to expel citizens from their community because of their political affiliation or views.

The NHRC further warned that the alleged remarks could constitute offences under existing laws, including provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 dealing with threats and intimidation intended to influence voters, as well as relevant provisions of the Penal Code and Cybercrimes Act.

Ojukwu cautioned that inflammatory political rhetoric by public officials could deepen division, intimidate opposition supporters and create an atmosphere capable of triggering violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stressed that Shekwolo, having sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the people of Kuje without discrimination, could not make political allegiance a condition for residency or access to public services.

The NHRC also rejected any suggestion that federal government or FCT Administration projects should be used to secure political loyalty, stressing that infrastructure and other public services are rights and entitlements that must be available to citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

Consequently, the commission called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute Shekwolo over the alleged remarks.

It also urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and put measures in place to protect Kuje residents from harassment, profiling, intimidation or disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Commission further called on the APC leadership and the FCT Administration to publicly dissociate themselves from the alleged statement and reaffirm that membership of the party is not a condition for living in Kuje or accessing government services.

Ojukwu assured Kuje residents that their constitutional rights remain protected, stressing that Nigerians are free to support and belong to political parties of their choice without having to surrender their rights in exchange for infrastructure or public services.

He urged anyone experiencing threats, intimidation or other forms of rights violations to report to the NHRC through its toll-free line, 6472, or visit the commission’s nearest office in the FCT.