Council Chairman Embarks On Political Tyranny
OpenLife News reports that the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo, has come under fire after threatening residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress, APC, to leave the council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The comment, made in a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, has sparked outrage over voter intimidation and abuse of office by a public official.
“It’s Either APC Or Leave” – Shekwolo
Addressing his followers and constituents, Shekwolo said his position was informed by what he described as the developmental efforts of President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Kuje.
He argued that residents could not benefit from the administration’s interventions and then vote against the APC in 2027.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Backlash Over Political Intimidation
The remark has triggered concerns over the use of political rhetoric by public officials as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of 2027.
Civil society groups say such statements undermine Section 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of association and the right of every citizen to choose their political party without fear.
Political analysts note that the threat comes at a time when Nigerians are already worried about the tone of political discourse ahead of the next general elections.
Similar Controversy In Osun
Shekwolo’s comments come weeks after a similar controversy involving <strong>Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District.
In a viral video, Fadahunsi was allegedly heard telling supporters that any Accord Party member seen in Ilesa before the August 15, 2026 governorship election would be killed.
The statement drew condemnation from political actors and civil society groups. <strong>Governor Ademola Adeleke demanded the senator’s arrest and investigation.
Fadahunsi later denied advocating violence, claiming he meant the APC would defeat the Accord Party “with votes.” He was subsequently invited and questioned by the Osun State Police Command.
Who Is Samuel Shekwolo?
Shekwolo was elected Kuje Area Council Chairman on the APC platform in the February 2026 FCT Area Council election. According to results announced by the returning officer, he polled 17,269 votes to win.
Since assuming office, he has publicly aligned Kuje with the Tinubu-Wike administration, citing ongoing road and infrastructure projects in the area council.
Curiously, with 18 months to the 2027 general elections, observers say inflammatory statements by elected officials could heighten tension and suppress voter turnout.
Human rights lawyers argue that threatening citizens to leave their homes based on political affiliation amounts to a criminal offense under the Electoral Act 2022 and the Penal Code.
As of press time, the FCT Police Command and the INEC FCT office had not issued any official statement on Shekwolo’s remarks.
For residents of Kuje, the message is clear: political loyalty is now being tied to residency and access to government projects — a development many describe as dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.
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