The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on security agencies to investigate the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over an alleged directive to residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.

CHRICED, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said a video circulating publicly showed Shekwolo declaring, “It’s either you are doing APC or leave the Area Council,” while vowing not to tolerate residents who “work against” the party.

The organisation described the alleged statement as “reckless, provocative and dangerous,” warning that it raised concerns about political intolerance, abuse of public office, violation of citizens’ rights and the safety of opposition supporters.

It said the Kuje chairman, as an elected public official, had a constitutional obligation to serve all residents irrespective of their political affiliations.

“Kuje Area Council is not the private property of any political party. No Nigerian should be forced to choose between supporting a particular party and enjoying their constitutional right to live peacefully in any community,” CHRICED said.

Zikirullahi argued that the alleged statement could violate provisions of the 1999 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of association, freedom of movement and residence, and protection against discrimination based on political opinion.
It also cited Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said criminalises threats, intimidation or the use of force to compel political support.

CHRICED expressed concern that the incident was part of what it described as a growing pattern of inflammatory statements by political leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It referenced alleged remarks by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, concerning opposition members entering the state, similar remarks attributed to the Benue State governor, as well as comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, suggesting that Osun State could have been captured if President Bola Tinubu had deployed him.

The group cited a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi in Osun State, which it said was interpreted as inciting violence against Accord Party members ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

According to CHRICED, the failure of political leaders and party leadership to condemn inflammatory rhetoric could encourage political intimidation and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

It said the consequences of such rhetoric were particularly concerning given the violence recorded around elections.

“Ahead of the Osun election, 29 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives in 73 election-related violent incidents. In such an environment, political leaders must understand that careless statements can escalate into real violence,” it said.

The organisation warned against what it described as a culture of impunity, where politicians make inflammatory statements, subsequently deny them and face no meaningful consequences.

CHRICED urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to immediately investigate the Kuje chairman’s statement and determine whether it violated the Constitution, Electoral Act or any other law.

It stressed that local government chairmen do not enjoy constitutional immunity.

The organisation called on President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to publicly condemn the alleged statement and affirm that political support was not a condition for residence, access to public services or peaceful existence anywhere in Nigeria.

It urged Shekwolo to withdraw the statement, apologise to residents and reaffirm their right to support any political party of their choice.

CHRICED called on INEC, security agencies, the National Peace Committee and political parties to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring inflammatory political speech and ensure that violations of peace commitments attract consequences.

It warned that failure by security agencies to investigate the incident and take appropriate action could send a dangerous signal ahead of the 2027 elections that ruling party officials were beyond accountability.

“CHRICED urges authorities to act now—before political rhetoric becomes political violence. The time to prevent electoral violence is before citizens are attacked, not after,” the statement added.