ActionAid Nigeria has strongly condemned the reported statement by the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, who allegedly told residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the Council. The organisation described the remarks as disturbing and incompatible with democratic governance, warning that political intimidation and exclusionary rhetoric must not become normal in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ActionAid’s Reaction to the Kuje Chairman’s Statement
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, said an elected public official has a responsibility to represent all residents, irrespective of their political affiliation or voting preference. He expressed deep concern over the implications of such a statement for democratic governance.
“This is deeply concerning. If an elected council chairman openly tells citizens that they must support a political party to continue living in an area under his administration, we must ask what message this sends to citizens who support other political parties or choose not to support any political party at all,” Mamedu said.
He stressed that public office must not be used as an instrument of political intimidation, exclusion or coercion. ActionAid also questioned what it described as inconsistencies in the response of law-enforcement institutions to controversial political statements, arguing that similar standards should apply to politicians across party lines.
Comparison with Senator Fadahunsi’s Case
ActionAid cited the recent controversy involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, whose remarks in a viral video reportedly triggered allegations of threats against members of the Accord Party. The Senator was subsequently invited by the Nigeria Police for questioning over statements considered threatening, inciting and intimidating.
According to reports, Senator Fadahunsi maintained that his comments had been distorted and that he was advocating the defeat of the opposition through votes. ActionAid noted that the incidents highlight a growing concern over political rhetoric that could undermine citizens’ freedom of political choice.
“When, within a matter of weeks, we move from alleged threats against opposition supporters during an election in Osun to an elected chairman telling residents to support his political party or leave his council, we should be worried,” Mamedu said.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions Cited
ActionAid noted that the Constitution guarantees citizens freedom of association and political choice, while Section 40 protects the right to associate freely. It also cited Section 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits threats intended to compel citizens to support or refrain from supporting a political party or candidate.
“These are no longer statements we can afford to treat as isolated political excesses. A dangerous culture of political intimidation is at risk of becoming normalised in Nigeria,” Mamedu added.
ActionAid’s Call for Accountability
ActionAid Nigeria consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant institutions to examine the reported remarks and determine whether any law had been breached. The organisation also urged political parties, particularly the APC, to make clear to their elected officials and supporters that threats, intimidation and exclusionary political rhetoric have no place in a democratic society.
It further called on political leaders to focus their campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections on policies, ideas, records and solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians rather than fear and political coercion. ActionAid urged law-enforcement institutions to ensure equal accountability regardless of political party, public office or proximity to power.
“Political choice is a right, not a debt owed to those in power,” Mamedu said, adding that no Nigerian should be forced to choose between exercising political freedom and living peacefully or accessing public services in the country.
