ActionAid Nigeria Condemns Kuje Chairman’s “Support APC or Leave” Remarks, Warns Against Normalisation of Political Intimidation

PRESS STATEMENT

ActionAid Nigeria Condemns Kuje Chairman’s “Support APC or Leave” Remarks, Warns Against Normalisation of Political Intimidation

Abuja, Nigeria | 26 August 2026

ActionAid Nigeria strongly condemns the disturbing remarks by the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, who told residents they must support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the Area Council. Such remarks are incompatible with democratic governance and the responsibilities entrusted to an elected public official.

The Area Council belongs to the people, not to any political party. Once elected, a Council Chairman assumes responsibility for every resident, those who voted for him, those who voted against him, those who support other political parties and those who choose not to support any political party at all.

Speaking in Abuja, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, stated:

“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. Public office must never become an instrument for political intimidation, exclusion or coercion.”

Dr Mamedu added:

“Imagine that Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, Peter Obi of the NDC, or Omoyele Sowore of the AAC makes a statement such as, ‘If any citizen is not tired of the hunger and suffering in the country, then they should leave the country.’ Would such a statement simply be dismissed as political rhetoric? Would our law-enforcement and security agencies remain silent? Even the citizens will revolt against such a statement. This is why institutions must be consistent. The law cannot be alert when statements come from opposition figures and suddenly become passive when similar conduct comes from individuals associated with the ruling party.”

ActionAid Nigeria is particularly concerned that the Kuje incident is not isolated.

Barely two weeks ago, ahead of the Osun State governorship election, Nigeria witnessed another disturbing episode involving remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District. A viral video sparked allegations that the Senator had called for violence against members of the Accord Party. The Nigeria Police subsequently invited him for questioning over statements considered threatening, inciting, and intimidating, although the Senator maintained that his remarks had been distorted and that he was advocating defeating the opposition through votes.

ActionAid Nigeria spoke out strongly at the time because violent political rhetoric must never be tolerated, irrespective of who makes it or which political party they represent.

Dr Mamedu stated:

“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. 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.”

This trend must be stopped before the 2027 elections.

Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees citizens freedom of association and political choice. Section 40 protects the right to associate freely, while the courts have affirmed that this freedom also protects citizens against compelled association. Furthermore, Section 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits threats intended to compel citizens to support or refrain from supporting a political party or candidate.

ActionAid Nigeria therefore calls on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other appropriate institutions to examine the remarks and determine whether any applicable laws have been breached.

We equally call on political parties, beginning with the All Progressives Congress, to make it clear to their elected officials and supporters that threats, intimidation and exclusionary rhetoric have no place in Nigeria’s democracy.

With campaigns for the 2027 general elections underway, political leaders must campaign on ideas, records, policies and solutions to the enormous challenges confronting Nigerians, not threats, fear or political coercion.

ActionAid Nigeria calls on law-enforcement institutions to show through their actions that everyone will be held to the same standard of accountability, regardless of political party, office, or proximity to power.

Political choice is a right, not a debt owed to those in power. No Nigerian should ever have to choose between their political freedom and their right to live peacefully and access public services in their own country.

Signed

Dr Andrew Mamedu

Country Director

ActionAid Nigeria