The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Mr Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, after a viral video allegedly showed him telling residents they must support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council area.
The opposition party described the comment as a “threat of forced displacement” and accused the council boss of violating Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of association, movement and protection from discrimination.
In the video circulating online, Shekwolo was heard saying: “I have said in my area council, it’s either you’re doing APC or leave the area council. I am not arguing with you.”
The statement has triggered political backlash, with the ADC demanding that security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), move beyond invitations and take decisive action against the chairman.
In a strongly worded statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused Shekwolo of abusing his office and warned that such comments could deepen political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party argued that Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee every Nigerian the right to belong to any political party of their choice, live anywhere in the country and not suffer discrimination because of their political views.
“Mr Shekwolo swore an oath to that Constitution. In one sentence, he violated three of its provisions,” the party said.
ADC also questioned why an elected official would threaten residents who did not support his political party, pointing out that Shekwolo was elected with 17,269 votes while thousands of residents voted for other parties.
The party said the chairman had a responsibility to protect all residents of Kuje, including those who did not vote for him.
The controversy comes amid wider political tensions following allegations of threats against opposition supporters during the Osun governorship election.
ADC linked Shekwolo’s comment to an earlier controversy involving APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who was accused of making inflammatory remarks during the Osun election campaign.
The party claimed the senator threatened opposition supporters and voters but faced no serious consequences after being questioned by police.
According to ADC, the lack of punishment in previous cases may be encouraging more political actors to make threatening statements.
The party also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent comment that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that some officials may interpret the remark as approval for aggressive political tactics.
ADC demanded that the President publicly clarify that the statement was not a licence for intimidation, voter suppression or threats against citizens.
“Words from a President are not idle,” the party said, urging Tinubu to call members of his party to order and specifically address the actions of Shekwolo and Fadahunsi.
The opposition party further appealed to the National Peace Committee to intervene early, warning that delaying action until the 2027 elections could worsen political tensions.
The ADC said Nigeria could not afford a return to an era where citizens are threatened because of their political choices, insisting that political differences must not become a reason for violence or exclusion.
