Diaspora organisation urges Nigerian and international authorities to examine alleged political threats against residents of Kuje Area Council
By African Heritage International Magazine
The African Democratic Congress Diaspora Network (ADC–DN) has submitted a formal petition requesting an urgent investigation into statements attributed to the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, and calling for the possible imposition of international visa restrictions should the allegations against him be substantiated.
The petition follows a widely reported declaration attributed to the council chairman: “It is either you are doing APC or leave the area council.”
ADC–DN maintains that such a statement, if accurately reported, goes beyond ordinary partisan rhetoric. The organisation argues that it may constitute political intimidation, an abuse of public office and an implied threat to the security, property and lawful residence of citizens who decline to support the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The petition calls upon relevant Nigerian security and law-enforcement agencies to establish the circumstances in which the statement was made, determine whether residents were threatened or placed under pressure, and take appropriate action under Nigerian law.
It also urges the European Union and its member states to examine the matter under their respective human-rights and visa-restriction frameworks. ADC–DN asks European authorities to consider targeted travel restrictions against Hon. Shekwolo if a credible investigation establishes his involvement in political intimidation, incitement, electoral coercion or threats to the fundamental rights of citizens.
Political allegiance cannot determine residency
In its submission, ADC–DN stresses that the constitutional rights of Nigerians do not depend upon membership of, or loyalty to, any political party.
Citizens are entitled to reside lawfully in any part of the federation, hold and express political opinions, associate freely and participate in democratic activities without fear of eviction, persecution or retaliation by public officials.
The network argues that an elected council chairman has a particular duty to serve every resident within his jurisdiction, irrespective of political affiliation. Public office, it says, cannot lawfully be converted into an instrument for compelling support for a ruling party.
According to the petition, any suggestion that residents must support the APC or leave Kuje Area Council would represent a disturbing rejection of political pluralism and the democratic obligations attached to elected office.
Request for international scrutiny
ADC–DN’s appeal to European authorities reflects the growing use of targeted visa measures against individuals suspected of undermining democratic processes, directing political violence or violating fundamental rights.
The organisation emphasises that its request is not a demand for punishment without due process. Rather, it seeks an impartial assessment of the available evidence and appropriate action if the allegations are independently verified.
“Visa restrictions are not a substitute for justice within Nigeria,” the petition states in substance, “but the international community should not provide unrestricted access and privilege to public officials who may be implicated in political intimidation or attacks on democratic freedoms.”
The network therefore requests that the statement, its context and any related conduct be documented and assessed by diplomatic missions in Nigeria, relevant EU institutions and the competent authorities of individual European states.
Warning ahead of the 2027 elections
The petition comes as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections amid heightened concern over inflammatory political language, voter intimidation and the misuse of state authority for partisan purposes.
ADC–DN warns that threats made at the local-government level should not be dismissed as isolated political exchanges. Such language, it argues, can create an atmosphere in which citizens fear that their homes, businesses, livelihoods or personal safety may depend upon supporting those in power.
The organisation says early intervention is essential because political violence rarely begins with violence itself. It often starts with threats, dehumanising rhetoric and the gradual normalisation of coercion.
Hon. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, Global Chairman of the ADC Diaspora Network, said democracy cannot survive where citizens are forced to choose between their political conscience and their right to live peacefully in their own country.
“No Nigerian should be threatened with eviction, exclusion or the loss of property because of a lawful political choice. Kuje Area Council belongs to all its residents not to the APC or any other political party. Public officials must understand that their words carry legal, political and international consequences.”
Call for accountability and restraint
ADC–DN is asking the Federal Government, security agencies, civil-society organisations and Nigeria’s international partners to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
The network also calls upon Hon. Shekwolo to provide a full public explanation of the statement attributed to him and to give an unequivocal assurance that no resident of Kuje will be threatened, discriminated against or deprived of any right because of political affiliation.
For ADC–DN, the wider issue extends beyond one council chairman or one political party. It concerns whether Nigerians can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation from those entrusted with public authority.
The allegations contained in the petition remain allegations unless and until they are established through a competent investigation. Hon. Shekwolo should be afforded an opportunity to respond fully.
Nevertheless, the words attributed to him raise questions that cannot responsibly be ignored. In a constitutional democracy, political support must be freely earned not extracted through fear, threats or the coercive power of public office.
As the 2027 elections approach, the handling of this petition will serve as an early test of whether Nigeria’s institutions and international partners are prepared to confront political intimidation before inflammatory words escalate into irreversible harm.
