Amnesty International has condemned the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the FCT, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over alleged threats to evict residents who refuse to join or vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s general election.
In a statement on Monday, the human rights organization said the chairman’s declaration that “those who will not vote APC must leave Kuje Area Council” amounts to a direct threat to lives and an attack on the rights to freedom of association and personal liberty.
“No one has the right to make living in a particular place in Nigeria tied to voting for one political party,” Amnesty International said.
The organization called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately intervene and halt what it described as plans to use violence against residents over their political choices.
“Security agencies must not look the other way. They must ensure that Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo faces justice for these reckless and irresponsible threats to the people,” the statement added.
Amnesty International described the council chairman’s comments as “a danger to society” and insisted he must be held to account.
The group further reminded government that it has an obligation to ensure that “before and after all elections, human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled, as guaranteed under international human rights law and standards and the country’s own Constitution.”
As at the time of this publication, there has been no official response from the Kuje Area Council chairman as of press time.
