Accord Party has called on the Inspector-General of police to investigate statements by Kuje Council Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo allegedly threatening residents to either support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council.
The Party, during a press briefing at the FCT state secretariat, alleged that the Chairman of Kuje was captured in a viral video threatening residents ahead of the 2027 General elections.
According to the FCT Chairman, Vaniah Agbon, the Accord Party considered the statement unacceptable and deeply troubling, as Kuje Area Council is not a private estate of the Chairman or the ruling APC.
“If the video and the statements attributed to him are authentic, the Accord Party considers them unacceptable and deeply troubling.
“Kuje Area Council is not the private property of any individual or political party. It belongs to all its residents. An elected public officer is sworn to serve every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, origin or voting preference.
“No public officer has the constitutional authority to compel citizens to support a particular political party or make political loyalty a condition for living peacefully in an Area Council. Nigerians have constitutional rights to freedom of movement and residence, political participation and ownership of property, subject only to lawful restrictions”. Vaniah stated.
“The suggestion that citizens must either support the APC or “leave the Area Council” is therefore deeply disturbing. Equally concerning is any suggestion that those who vote against the incumbent political establishment may face reprisals.
“Elections are not war. Opposition is not treason. Political disagreement is not a crime. Voting against an incumbent is not an act of hostility against government.
“The Executive Chairman must remember that his oath of office is a solemn commitment to serve the people impartially and within the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Vaniah demanded that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, among others, investigate the video and establish its authenticity and determine if the statements constitute any breach of laws
“In view of the seriousness of this matter, the Accord Party calls on the Inspector-General of Police and relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the video and establish its authenticity, context and circumstances.
“Invite the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council for questioning regarding the statements attributed to him.
“Determine whether the statements constitute any breach of applicable laws.
“Assess their potential security implications, particularly regarding intimidation, political suppression and possible conflict.
“Take appropriate lawful action if any offence is established, regardless of the individual’s political status or affiliation.
“Ensure that residents of Kuje are protected from intimidation, harassment, discrimination or political victimisation”
“We equally call on the relevant FCT authorities to take the matter seriously and ensure that the rule of law applies equally to everyone, irrespective of political position or affiliation.
“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, and Kuje belongs to all Nigerians who lawfully reside there. No Nigerian should be compelled to support the APC, Accord Party, PDP, Labour Party or any other political organisation as a condition for living peacefully in Kuje.
“Citizens have the right to choose their political party and candidates, change their political preferences, criticise government and participate in elections without fear or intimidation.
“The idea that citizens must be either “with us” or “against us” has no place in constitutional democracy. A citizen may disagree with government and remain a patriotic Nigerian. A resident may support another political party and still be entitled to government services and protection.”
Vaniah urged residents of Kuje Area Council to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant. He also asked them “not to be intimidated or provoked by inflammatory political rhetoric.”
According to him, “citizens should exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and document and report any threats, harassment or victimisation based on political affiliation to the appropriate authorities.”
Channels Television reached out to Shekwolo for his side of the story; however, no response was received as of the time of filing this report.
