Kuje Council Chairman Makes U-Turn After Public Backlash, Denies Threatening Non-APC Residents With Expulsion | Sahara Reporters
He said the reports created a distorted impression of his administration and its commitment to inclusive governance.
The Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, has denied threatening to disenfranchise or alienate residents who oppose or refuse to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections
Shekwolo, while addressing reporters, stakeholders and community leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, said comments he made during a meeting with local youths and APC loyalists had been taken out of context and sensationalised by news platforms and social media users.
He said the reports created a distorted impression of his administration and its commitment to inclusive governance.
Shekwolo claimed that the meeting was focused on administrative efficiency, grassroots development and the welfare of residents, insisting that he had no intention of using his office to discriminate against residents based on their political affiliations.
He further stated that he lacked the authority to deprive any resident or citizen of Kuje Area Council of their fundamental human rights.
“At no point did I intend to cause disaffection, undermine any group, or promote policies that do not serve the best interest of our citizens,” Shekwolo said. “Our doors remain open for constructive feedback, dialogue, and accurate reporting.”
Shekwolo reiterated that his administration is committed to equitable governance and would serve residents irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.
Shekwolo’s clarification comes a day after Amnesty International condemned him over threats to expel residents who did not support the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the circulation of a video showing him warning residents against opposing the APC.
In the video, the council chairman boldly said, “Is either you’re doing APC or leave the Area Council. I am not hiding it at all at all, with confidence, I am saying it.”
He added, “You know why: I cannot have the Minister and the President doing for us what they’re doing, and on the day of the election you said you want to march/match me; I will not agree. It’s either you’re with us or you leave.”
WATCH: It’s Either You’re Voting APC Or Leave: Kuje Council Chairman Threatens To Expel Non-APC Residents Ahead Of 2027 Polls
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The remarks triggered concerns over the safety of residents and the prospect of political intimidation as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Amnesty International on Tuesday raised concerns over the remarks and called for respect for the rights of residents regardless of their political affiliations.
The global rights organisation’s condemnation had heightened public scrutiny of the chairman’s comments and triggered concerns over the alleged use of political affiliation as a basis for determining residents’ rights within the Federal Capital Territory.
However, Shekwolo rejected the interpretation of his remarks, claiming that his administration has no policy or intention to expel, disenfranchise or discriminate against residents because of their political choices.
He urged residents and stakeholders to disregard what he described as misleading interpretations of his comments and instead work with his administration to promote peace, development and unity in Kuje.
Shekwolo invited residents and other stakeholders to collaborate with the council towards advancing development in Kuje Area Council and the Federal Capital Territory.