Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo has faced criticism after a video emerged showing him telling residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress to leave the council area.
The remarks, made at a gathering in the Federal Capital Territory, have drawn condemnation over concerns about political freedom, freedom of association and the right of Nigerians to live in any part of the country regardless of their political affiliation.
Shekwolo Issues Warning
In the video circulating on social media on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Shekwolo is heard saying residents must either support the APC or leave the area council.
“I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all,” he said.
He linked his position to development projects associated with President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while also referring to efforts to secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Shekwolo further used the phrase, “It’s either you are with us or you are against us,” while insisting that he would resist attempts to work against the APC.
Amnesty International Condemns Remarks
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the comments, describing them as a threat to lives, a potential call to violence and an attack on freedom of association and personal liberty.
The organisation said no political office holder had the right to make residence in any part of Nigeria conditional on support for a political party.
It described Shekwolo as a “danger to society” and called on the police and other security agencies to intervene and ensure accountability to prevent possible violence over political choices.
Shekwolo’s Election Victory
Shekwolo, an APC member, won the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election held on February 21, 2026, according to results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He polled 17,269 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, who secured 15,824 votes.
His latest remarks have now drawn renewed attention as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Video Triggers Online Reactions
The video was also shared by Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization on X, where the group described the chairman’s statement as “nonsense”.
The post attracted reactions from users who criticised the remarks and questioned whether an elected council chairman could threaten residents over their political preferences.
As of the time of reporting, neither Shekwolo nor the APC had issued a detailed public response to the video.
