ABUJA — Amnesty International Nigeria has criticised the alleged failure of security agencies to hold the Chairman of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, to account over comments allegedly threatening violence against residents who refuse to vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The human rights organisation made the allegation in a post on its X platform, expressing concern over what it described as a climate of fear among residents of the area council.
According to Amnesty, Shekwolo’s alleged attempt to make voting for the APC a condition for residents to live peacefully and exercise their civic rights was unlawful.
“Residents of Kuje Area Council FCT will continue to live in fear as no effort has been made by security agencies to hold the council chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo to account, for threatening to unleash violence on anybody who would not vote for APC,” Amnesty said.
The organisation said such alleged threats could undermine citizens’ rights to freely participate in elections and choose candidates or political parties of their choice.
It called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that politicians and other leaders who carry out, incite or threaten politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or other human rights abuses are held accountable.
“Ahead of 2027 elections and beyond, it is essential that the Nigerian authorities ensure that any politician or other leaders, of any political party or grouping, responsible for carrying out or inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically-motivated violence or human rights abuses must be held to account,” it said.
The allegation comes as political parties and politicians intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Kuje is one of the six area councils in the FCT, where residents will participate in the forthcoming electoral process. The Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws guarantee citizens the right to vote and participate in elections freely and without intimidation or coercion.
Political threats and violence have remained major concerns during Nigeria’s electoral cycles, prompting repeated calls for security agencies to protect voters and ensure that citizens can exercise their franchise without fear.
Amnesty International’s statement has consequently renewed attention on the need for authorities to investigate allegations of political intimidation and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.
The allegation against Shekwolo has not been independently established from the information available, and his response was not included in Amnesty International Nigeria’s statement provided for this report.
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