Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the failure of Nigerian authorities to hold the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, accountable over alleged threats against residents who may choose not to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The human rights organisation said the alleged threats raise serious concerns about the protection of democratic rights, freedom of political choice and the safety of residents as Nigeria approaches another crucial electoral season.
Amnesty International’s reaction followed the reported attack on a political gathering organised by the Accord Party in Kuje on Sunday. The organisation described the incident as a disturbing indication of the potential consequences of allowing political intimidation, violence and inflammatory rhetoric to continue unchecked.
According to Amnesty International, the reported attack demonstrates the urgent need for authorities to take stronger measures against political violence and ensure that citizens can participate freely in political activities without fear of intimidation or physical harm.
The organisation expressed particular concern over statements attributed to the Kuje Area Council chairman, arguing that threatening residents over their preferred political candidates undermines the fundamental principles of democracy.
Amnesty International described Shekwolo as a threat to democratic values, particularly if his alleged position amounts to making support for the APC a condition for residents to live peacefully and exercise their civic rights in Kuje.
The rights organisation stressed that citizens have the right to make political choices freely, support candidates and political parties of their choice, participate in political meetings and express their views without threats or coercion.
It argued that no elected or appointed public official should use political influence or public authority to intimidate residents into supporting a particular political party.
The organisation also warned that political intimidation could create an environment in which citizens become afraid to participate in democratic processes, potentially undermining the credibility of future elections.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensify, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that politicians and other influential actors are held accountable where there is credible evidence linking them to political violence, incitement or threats.
The organisation emphasised that accountability should not be selective or determined by political affiliation.
It urged authorities to investigate allegations involving politicians, supporters and other groups, regardless of the political party or organisation to which they belong.
“Any politician or other leader, of any political party or grouping, responsible for carrying out or inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or human rights abuses must be held to account,” the organisation stated.
Amnesty International further warned that failure to respond firmly to threats and acts of political violence could encourage perpetrators and create conditions for more serious abuses during the 2027 electoral process.
The organisation said protecting democratic participation requires more than organising elections. It also requires creating an environment where citizens can exercise their rights without intimidation, violence or fear of reprisals.
The reported incident in Kuje therefore highlights broader concerns about the need to protect political gatherings and ensure equal political rights for all residents.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to act ahead of the 2027 elections by investigating the reported threats and attack, identifying those responsible for any unlawful conduct and ensuring that appropriate legal action is taken where evidence supports prosecution.
The organisation maintained that political leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful participation rather than deepen divisions or encourage hostility against supporters of rival parties.
It also urged Nigerians to reject politically motivated violence and intimidation, stressing that democratic elections must allow citizens to freely determine their political choices.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Amnesty International’s warning underscores the importance of early action against political threats and violence. It said accountability for abuses committed before, during or after elections would be essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.
