‘Vote for APC or leave Kuje’ — Area Council chairman threatens residents

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo, has threatened residents with relocation if they refuse to vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 elections.

Mr Shekwolo made the controversial remarks in a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, while addressing some members of the ruling party.

The council chairman said his position was informed by what he described as the developmental interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Kuje.

He argued that residents should not benefit from the administration’s projects and subsequently vote against the APC at the 2027 polls.

“I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council; I’m not hiding that. With confidence, I’m saying it,” he said.

“You know why? I cannot have the President and Minister doing what they are doing and on the day of election, you will want to match me. It’s either you are with us, or you are out.”

The remarks have triggered criticism on social media, with some Nigerians describing the statement as a threat to residents’ democratic rights.

Political observers and commentators have also raised concerns over the use of such rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that threats and inflammatory political statements could undermine peaceful participation and deepen political tensions.

The chairman’s comments come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians and supporters of major parties already mobilising across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, Shekwolo had not publicly withdrawn the remarks or issued any clarification on whether his statement was intended literally.