The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, has warned residents opposed to the All Progressives Congress to leave the area council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shekwolo made the remark in a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, in which he said he would not accept residents working against the APC or President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council; I’m not hiding that. With confidence, I’m saying it,” the chairman said.
“You know why, I cannot have President and Minister doing what they are doing and on the day of election, you will want to match me. It’s either you are with us, or you are out.”
Shekwolo was referring to development projects in Kuje which he attributed to Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He argued that residents benefiting from the administration’s interventions should support the APC at the polls.
The comments have sparked concerns over the language being used by political leaders as activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shekwolo was elected chairman of Kuje Area Council on the APC platform in the February 2026 FCT Area Council election.
He polled 17,269 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Peoples Democratic Party candidate Danlami Zakoyi, who scored 15,824 votes.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in other parts of the country.
In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi recently came under criticism after a viral video appeared to show him making remarks interpreted as a call to attack members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke demanded the senator’s arrest and investigation, while the Osun State Police Command invited Fadahunsi to explain the remarks.
The senator denied advocating physical violence, saying his comments had been misconstrued and that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes. He subsequently appeared before the police and was released after questioning.
The Kuje chairman’s remarks have now brought the issue of political rhetoric back into focus, particularly concerns that statements from elected officials could heighten tension or intimidate citizens ahead of elections.
Amnesty International condemned Shekwolo’s comments, describing the warning to residents who refuse to support the APC as a threat to freedom of association and liberty.
The rights organisation urged the police and other security agencies to prevent any attempt to use violence against residents because of their political choices.
Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freely associate, including belonging to political parties, while also protecting the right of citizens to move freely and reside in any part of the country.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the controversy over Shekwolo’s statement is likely to add to calls for political actors and public officials to moderate their language and respect citizens’ freedom to support candidates and parties of their choice.
