Kuje Council Chairman Tells Residents to Vote APC or Leave

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Danjuma Shekwolo, has stirred up controversy. He told residents to either vote for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections or leave the area.

Mr Shekwolo made this statement before the FCT Youth Network leadership election set for Saturday. A video of his speech has gone viral on social media. Many Nigerians and human rights groups have condemned his comments.

The FCT Youth Network (FCT-YN) is a youth group working across all six area councils in Abuja.

Speaking during a meeting last Friday with the network’s leadership and candidates, Mr Shekwolo insisted that his constituents must vote for APC or move away.

“I have said in my area council, it’s either you’re doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you. With confidence, I am saying it. You know why? I cannot have minister and president doing for us what they are doing,” he declared, referring to the development efforts of the current administration.

He continued, “On the day of election, you now come and say you want to match me. I will not agree. It is either you are with us, or you are not here.”

Public Reaction

The APC is the ruling party in Nigeria and controls most of the six area councils in Abuja, including Kuje. The party is expected to face significant challenges from major opposition parties in next year’s elections. This raises concerns over Mr Shekwolo’s threatening remarks.

His statements received backlash from Amnesty International. The group warned that such comments could incite unrest and violence. They stated that government officials are responsible for protecting citizens’ right to vote freely, without coercion. These rights must be “respected, protected and fulfilled, as guaranteed under international human rights law and standards and the country’s own Constitution.”

Amnesty International added that Mr Shekwolo “is a danger to society and must be held to account for threatening violence on those who may not vote for APC.” The group has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to investigate the matter.

Nigerians on social media also reacted strongly to the chairman’s comments. Godswill Essien noted on X that “when political intimidation replaces performance,” it shows that elected officials are not focused on community development but on hostility.

Facebook user Shittu Obassa expressed worry about Mr Shekwolo’s remarks. He urged the authorities to take action against him before the situation gets worse.

“How does he identify APC followers and supporters distinctly from those who are against his party? His words on social media are concerning. The higher authority in the territory should call him to order before the bubble bursts.”