The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has been dragged before the High Court of the FCT over an alleged directive that residents must support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the area council.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/3984/2026, was filed by Chronicles Reporters News Limited and Paul Bem Mannaseh, an African Action Congress (AAC) member and resident of Kuje.
The applicants are challenging remarks allegedly made by Mr Shekwolo in a video circulating on social media, in which he was heard saying residents in his area council must either support the APC or leave.
The controversy emerged after a video of the council chairman addressing supporters and constituents went viral earlier this week. In the video, Mr Shekwolo linked his position to what he described as developmental interventions by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The applicants argue that the alleged remarks amount to an infringement of their constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, association and movement, as well as protection from discrimination.
They are asking the court to declare the alleged statement unconstitutional and unlawful under Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The plaintiffs are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Mr Shekwolo, his agents and representatives from allegedly intimidating, harassing, discriminating against or attempting to expel residents because of their political affiliation, beliefs or opinions.
In addition, they are demanding ₦100 million in exemplary and aggravated damages, as well as an order compelling the chairman to issue a public apology and publish it in two national newspapers.
The applicants have further asked the court to direct relevant security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the alleged statement and determine whether it amounts to an electoral offence under the Electoral Act 2022 or other applicable laws.
Mr Mannaseh, the lead applicant, said the case was intended to test the limits of political authority and whether an elected public official could demand political allegiance from residents.
He argued that holding public office did not give an elected official ownership of the territory under his administration or the power to dictate the political affiliation of citizens living there.
The controversy has intensified debate over political freedom and the conduct of public officials ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Mr Shekwolo has since sought to clarify his earlier comments, saying the remarks were made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists and were not intended to deny residents their rights because of their political affiliation.
The court is now being asked to determine whether the alleged statement amounts to an unlawful attempt to make continued residence in Kuje conditional on political support for the ruling party.
The chairman’s position will be subject to the proceedings and any response filed before the court.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.