…call on the Church, security agencies, others to call Shekwolo to order
A group, Christians in Politics Nigeria, has condemned the reported threat by the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo ordering residents who will not vote for the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections today leave the council.
CIP also appealed to the security agencies, the Church and other relevant authorities to call Shekwolo to order and advise him “to desist from such divisive utterances that can incite tension and violence.”
National Coordinator/National Secretary of CIP, Dr Shallangwa Hassana, stated these in a statement in Abuja.
The Kuje Area Council chairman is heard in a viral video on social media 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.
“I cannot have the Minister and President doing for us what they are doing. Then, on the day of election, you now come and say you want to match me. I will not do it.”
CIP described the statement attributed to the Kuje Area Council chairman as “unconstitutional, reckless and a direct threat to lives, peace and democratic values.”
“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy. No public office holder has the right to coerce, intimidate, or force citizens to belong to a political party as a condition to live in their own community” the statement added.
Citin Section 38(1) and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, CIPN, stressed that the law makes it clear that freedom of association, worship and political choice are fundamental rights, adding, “Any attempt to violate them is an attack on the rule of law and the unity of our nation.”
Noting that as Christians, CIPN expressed the belief that leadership is all about service rather than domination.
It therefore urged “the church in Kuje, security agencies and relevant authorities to call Hon. Shekwolo to order and to desist from such divisive utterances that can incite tension and violence.”
The Christian political body, however, urged all residents of Kuje to remain calm and law-abiding, adding, “No one should be threatened out of their homes because of their political conviction.”
CIPN reaffirmed its commitment to politics with dignity and the protection of constitutional rights for all Nigerians, irrespective of party, tribe or religion.
