Amid 2027 political tensions, Abuja council chief says his remarks were taken out of context
UNITY TIMES POLITICS DESK
Grow your business with us
ABUJA — The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has moved to distance himself from remarks that triggered widespread outrage after he was accused of threatening residents who refused to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated online in which the council chairman was reported to have called on residents to support the APC or leave the area.
The comments generated strong reactions because of their apparent implications for political freedom and the right of citizens to live in and participate in communities regardless of their political affiliations.
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the reported remarks, describing them as an attack on citizens’ freedom of political association and choice.
The controversy became particularly significant because Nigeria is already entering an increasingly charged political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman changes tone
Following the backlash, Shekwolo denied that he intended to threaten or disenfranchise residents.
In his clarification, the chairman said his comments had been taken out of context and insisted that he had no authority to remove Nigerians from the council because of their political preferences. Arise News reported the chairman as saying his remarks were made in a particular political context and were not intended to disenfranchise residents.
An aide to the chairman also issued a clarification following the controversy. But the episode has already raised a larger issue.
Politics, citizenship and Abuja
Nigeria’s democracy guarantees citizens the right to choose their political representatives without coercion.
The Kuje controversy therefore goes beyond one council chairman or one political party. It touches on a broader question confronting Nigerian democracy: Can political competition remain democratic when access to public space, community resources or even residency appears to become linked to party loyalty?
With the 2027 elections approaching, political language from public officials will increasingly attract scrutiny.
For Abuja residents—many of whom come from different parts of Nigeria—the controversy also carries particular weight. The capital is supposed to represent the country’s constitutional commitment to citizenship beyond ethnic, regional or partisan boundaries. The Kuje episode is therefore a warning that political competition can easily cross the line from mobilisation into intimidation if public officials are not careful about the language they use.
About The Author