Amnesty International has strongly condemned an alleged threat by the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, to expel residents who refuse to support or vote for the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
The human rights organisation described the reported statement as a serious threat to fundamental freedoms, warning that linking a person’s right to live in a community to membership or support for a particular political party could encourage violence and intimidation.
Amnesty said no elected official has the authority to determine where Nigerians may live based on their political affiliation or voting preferences.
According to the organisation, the reported threat represents a direct attack on freedom of association, political choice and the liberty of residents within Kuje Area Council.
The organisation called on the police and other security agencies to immediately intervene and prevent any attempt to intimidate, harass or use violence against residents because of their political preferences.
Amnesty’s condemnation comes as political activity intensifies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political parties and their supporters already beginning to mobilise across the country.
The human rights body warned that statements threatening residents over their political choices could have consequences beyond Kuje if they are allowed to go unchallenged.
It said political participation must remain voluntary and that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support a political party of their choice—or to support none at all.
The organisation particularly expressed concern over the alleged suggestion that residents who do not vote for the APC should leave Kuje Area Council.
Such a position, Amnesty argued, could create an atmosphere of fear and potentially expose political opponents, minority groups and other residents to harassment or violence.
Nigeria’s democratic system guarantees citizens the right to participate in political activities without coercion. Political competition, therefore, should be based on persuasion, policies and the confidence of voters rather than threats.
The controversy also highlights the responsibilities of elected officials during election periods.
Local government chairmen and other public officials exercise authority over diverse populations containing supporters of different political parties. Their responsibility is consequently to govern all residents fairly, irrespective of how they vote.
Amnesty described Shekwolo as a potential danger to society if the reported threats are carried out and demanded that he be held accountable for any unlawful threats or actions against residents.
The organisation also urged security agencies to take preventive measures rather than wait until threats translate into physical attacks.
“The right to political choice must be respected and upheld,” Amnesty maintained, stressing that no Nigerian should be forced to support a political party as a condition for remaining in a community.
The issue assumes particular significance as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, which are expected to generate intense political competition across the country.
Human rights organisations and civil society groups have repeatedly warned that inflammatory political rhetoric can contribute to electoral violence, particularly when it comes from individuals holding public office.
Political disagreements, however intense, remain an essential feature of democratic societies. What distinguishes democracy from authoritarian rule is the ability of citizens to disagree with those in power without fear of punishment.
For residents of Kuje, the controversy has therefore raised concerns about whether political differences could translate into threats against their safety, property or right to remain in their communities.
The police and relevant authorities now face pressure to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged statement and determine whether any laws were breached.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the incident serves as a warning ahead of the 2027 elections: political power must never become a licence to threaten citizens for exercising their democratic rights.
Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, has the right to live, work and participate in society without being forced to surrender their political convictions.
