Rights Centre Demands Probe Of Kuje Chairman’s Alleged Threat

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned an alleged threat 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 council.

CHRICED, in a statement signed by its executive director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, described the reported comment as “reckless, provocative and dangerous,” warning that it could heighten political tension and endanger opposition supporters in the area.

The organisation was reacting to a video circulating publicly in which the council chairman was allegedly heard saying, “It’s either you are doing APC or leave the Area Council,” while also vowing not to tolerate residents who “work against” the ruling party.

CHRICED said the statement raised serious concerns about political intolerance, abuse of public office and violations of citizens’ constitutional rights.

It stressed that an elected chairman had a constitutional responsibility to serve all residents irrespective of their political affiliations.

“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,” the organisation said.

CHRICED further argued that the alleged statement could amount to violations of provisions of the 1999 Constitution protecting freedom of association, freedom of movement and residence, as well as protection against discrimination based on political opinion.

It cited Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the Constitution, which respectively guarantee freedom of association, the right to move freely and reside in any part of Nigeria, and protection against discrimination.

The organisation also referred to Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said criminalises threats, intimidation or the use of force to compel political support.

According to CHRICED, “Statements such as the one made in Kuje fall squarely within conduct that the law seeks to prevent.”

The group expressed concern that the Kuje incident was part of what it described as a growing pattern of inflammatory rhetoric by political leaders across the country.

It cited alleged recent remarks by the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, similar comments attributed to the Benue State governor, and a statement attributed to the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, suggesting that Osun State could have been “captured” if President Bola Tinubu had deployed him.

CHRICED also referenced a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi in Osun State, which it said had been interpreted as inciting violence against members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The organisation criticised what it described as silence by APC leadership over such statements, arguing that failure to condemn inflammatory rhetoric could create the impression that political intimidation was being tolerated.