Amnesty International has raised the alarm over the political situation in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, calling on Nigerian authorities to take action against the council chairman, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over alleged threats directed at residents who may not support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The human rights organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as the failure of the authorities to hold Shekwolo to account over statements threatening residents who may choose not to vote for the APC.
Amnesty International said the reported attack on a political gathering of the Accord Party in Kuje on Sunday, August 30, 2026, further demonstrated the dangers of allowing political violence, intimidation and incitement to continue unchecked.
The organisation warned that residents of Kuje were now facing the danger of political repression, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amnesty International described the Kuje chairman as a danger to democracy, arguing that any attempt to make support for the APC a condition for residents to live peacefully and exercise their constitutional rights in Kuje was unlawful.
The organisation stressed that Nigerians have the right to freely choose their political parties and candidates without threats, intimidation, coercion or fear of reprisals.
The latest intervention comes after Chronicles Reporters News Limited and Mannaseh B.P. took the Kuje Area Council chairman to court over his alleged “support APC or leave” position, challenging the statement as an infringement on the fundamental rights of residents.
The suit, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, with suit number FCT/HC/CV/3984/2026, had placed the alleged threat and the rights of Kuje residents before the court.
The development had already generated concerns over the extent to which political office holders can use their positions to pressure citizens into supporting a particular political party.
With Amnesty International now raising the matter at the international human rights level, the controversy surrounding the Kuje chairman’s alleged statements has taken on a wider dimension, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching.
Amnesty International said Nigerian authorities must ensure that politicians and other leaders, regardless of their political party or affiliation, are held accountable where they are responsible for carrying out, inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or other human rights abuses.
It warned that allowing political actors to operate with impunity could create an environment in which citizens are afraid to express their political preferences, attend opposition political meetings or participate freely in the democratic process.
The organisation therefore called on the authorities to act decisively to prevent further political violence and intimidation in Kuje and ensure the protection of residents’ fundamental rights.
Amnesty International maintained that ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond, Nigeria must demonstrate that political power does not give anyone the right to threaten citizens or deny them the freedom to determine who they support at the ballot box.
The organisation’s intervention has further intensified calls for accountability and heightened scrutiny of political activities in Kuje as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.