Politics
NHRC demands Shekwolo’s arrest over inflammatory remark
THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over threats to residents who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
In a statement, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, on Thursday, August 27, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Shekwolo by the Nigeria Police Force.
The commission’s demand came after Shekwolo’s remarks triggered condemnation from Nigerians and several rights groups, including Amnesty International.
The ICIR reported how the council chairman in a video that surfaced on social media on August 25 said residents who did not support the APC should leave Kuje Area Council.
“I have said in my area council that it’s either you are doing APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all,” Shekwolo said in the video.
He also said he would not allow residents to work against the APC or oppose President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing what he described as the developmental achievements of the President 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 out. I will not agree,” he said.
“It’s either you are with us, or you are against us.”
The remarks immediately attracted criticism, with Amnesty International describing Shekwolo as a “danger to society” and calling for him to be held accountable.
Shekwolo says remarks were taken out of context
Amid the backlash, Shekwolo on August 26, said his remarks were taken out of context and did not represent his intention or the official position of his administration.
The council chairman said the remarks were made in the context of a meeting involving APC members and loyalists, and were intended to address issues relating to administrative efficiency, local development and community welfare.
“In public governance, clarity, truth and transparency are essential. In recent days, certain statements made were taken out of context and leading to a distorted narrative that do not reflect my true intents or core values or the official position of this administration,” he said.
Shekwolo also denied having any intention to violate the fundamental rights of Kuje residents.
“As the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, I have no right to deny any resident or citizen of their fundamental human rights in the council,” he said.
He further pledged that his administration remained committed to inclusive governance, equity and the development of all communities in the area council.
“At no point did I intend to cause disaffection, undermine any group or promote policies that do not serve the best interest of our citizens,” he said.
Shekwolo subsequently urged residents, irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliations, to support the development of Kuje.
NHRC demands police action
Reacting to the Shekwolo’s earlier remarks, the NHRC described his comments as intimidation and an assault on constitutional and democratic principles.
“In view of the foregoing, the commission is demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo by the Nigeria Police Force,” the commission said.
The NHRC also called on the State Security Services (SSS), the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and introduce measures to protect Kuje residents from harassment, profiling or disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission said no political office holder had the authority to banish Nigerians from their communities because of their political affiliations.
It also urged the APC and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to publicly distance themselves from Shekwolo’s remarks.
According to the commission, government development projects cannot be used to compel citizens to support a political party.
The NHRC further argued that the remarks could amount to offences under Nigerian law, citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 relating to threats and intimidation intended to influence voters, as well as provisions of the Penal Code and Cybercrimes Act dealing with conduct capable of disturbing public peace or causing a breakdown of law and order.
“When a public officer draws a line between ‘us and them’ and threatens those who disagree, he is weaponising his office and fueling the embers of violence and hatred against non-APC members,” the NHRC said.
It warned that inflammatory political rhetoric could escalate tensions and create conditions for violence ahead of the 2027 polls.
