Amnesty International has condemned the chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over his alleged threat to force residents out of the council if they refuse to support or vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The human rights organisation described Shekwolo’s remarks as a direct threat to the lives and fundamental freedoms of residents, warning that no public official has the authority to make a person’s right to live in a particular part of Nigeria conditional on support for a political party.

Amnesty International, in a statement, called on the police and other security agencies to urgently intervene and prevent any attempt to use violence or intimidation against residents because of their political choices.

The organisation also urged security agencies to investigate the council chairman and ensure that he is held accountable for what it described as “reckless and irresponsible threats” against residents.

The condemnation followed a video circulating on social media in which Shekwolo vowed to resist residents who oppose the APC or President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 elections.

The chairman reportedly cited developmental projects undertaken by Tinubu’s administration and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the area council as justification for his position.

Shekwolo said he had made his position clear to residents, insisting that those unwilling to support the APC should leave the area council.

“I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all.

“You know why? I cannot have the Minister and the President doing what they are doing, then on the day of the election, you will now say you want to match me. I will not agree.

“It’s either you are with us or you are against us,” he said.

Reacting to the remarks, Amnesty International said the statement amounted to an attack on freedom of association and the liberty of individuals to make their own political choices.

The organisation stressed that residents cannot lawfully be compelled to support a particular political party as a condition for remaining in their communities.

It further warned that political threats capable of inciting violence ahead of the 2027 elections must not be ignored by the authorities.

Amnesty International said the government has an obligation to ensure that human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled before, during and after elections, in line with international human rights standards and Nigeria’s Constitution.

The group described Shekwolo as a “danger to society” over the alleged threats and demanded that the relevant authorities take steps to hold him accountable.

It also urged security agencies to ensure that political differences do not become a basis for intimidation, violence, forced displacement or denial of citizens’ fundamental rights ahead of the 2027 elections.