COPDEM Demands Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of Kuje Council Chairman Over Reckless Comment Against Opposition Parties

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over his controversial remarks directing residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the council.

The chairman’s statement, captured on video and widely reported, has triggered strong reactions from opposition voices and pro-democracy advocates who argue that the remarks are incompatible with democratic principles and the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.

‘Support APC or Leave Kuje’

Speaking to supporters, Shekwolo declared:

“I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you.”

He went further, questioning why residents would vote against the APC despite what he described as development interventions by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

“You know why? I cannot have the Minister and the President doing what they are doing, then on the day of the election, you will now say you want to match me. I will not agree.”

The chairman also added:

“It’s either you are with us or you are against us.”

The remarks have raised concerns over political intolerance and the freedom of citizens to support political parties and candidates of their choice ahead of the 2027 general elections.

COPDEM Demands Action

COPDEM has called on the relevant security and law-enforcement authorities to move beyond condemnation and take concrete legal action against the council chairman.

The group argues that an elected public official cannot make political allegiance a condition for citizens to remain in their place of residence. It insists that political opposition is a legitimate component of democracy and that Nigerians have the right to support whichever party or candidate they choose.

The controversy has also attracted calls from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Shekwolo’s arrest and prosecution. The ADC described the original statement as a threat of forced displacement and urged the authorities to allow a court of law to determine whether any offence was committed.

Chairman Later Clarifies Statement

Following the backlash, Shekwolo subsequently said his remarks had been taken out of context. He acknowledged that, as council chairman, he had no authority to disenfranchise residents because of their political affiliation.

“And as the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, I have no right to disenfranchise any residents or citizen of their fundamental human rights in the council.”

He further said his administration remained committed to inclusive governance regardless of political, religious or ethnic differences.

However, the clarification has not ended the controversy, with critics maintaining that the original statement was sufficiently explicit to warrant investigation.

Democracy Under Test Ahead of 2027

The Kuje controversy comes at a sensitive time as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.

For COPDEM and other critics, the central issue goes beyond one council chairman: Can Nigerians freely oppose the ruling party, support another political organisation and vote according to their conscience without intimidation from those in power?

Nigeria’s democracy cannot function on the principle that citizens must either support the ruling party or leave their communities. Political disagreement is not disloyalty, and opposition is not a crime.

As the country approaches 2027, the authorities face a critical test: whether democratic rights will be protected equally for supporters of the ruling party and opposition parties alike.