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 council.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/3984/2026, was instituted by Chronicles Reporters News Limited and Mannaseh B.P., a resident of Kuje and registered member of the African Action Congress (AAC).
The applicants are challenging what they described as a threat to their fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, association and movement, as well as protection against discrimination.
The case reportedly stems from a viral video in which Shekwolo was allegedly heard saying: “I have said in my area council that it’s either you are for the APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about it at all.”
In the suit, according to SaharaReporters, the applicants are asking the court to declare the alleged statement unconstitutional and unlawful, contending that it violates rights guaranteed under Sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
They are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the council chairman, his agents, servants or representatives from implementing or promoting any form of political intimidation, harassment, discrimination or expulsion based on residents’ political affiliation, belief or opinion.
The applicants are demanding ₦100 million in exemplary and aggravated damages, alongside a public apology from the chairman to be published in two national newspapers.
They are further asking the court to direct relevant security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the alleged statement and determine whether it constitutes an electoral offence under applicable laws.
Speaking on the matter, lead applicant Paul Bem Mannaseh said the case was intended to test the limits of political authority and the extent to which elected officials could demand political loyalty from citizens.
“This is not just another political case. This is a direct assault on the soul of Nigerian democracy,” Mannaseh said.
He argued that holding an elected position did not give any public official ownership of the territory under his administration or the power to dictate the political identity of its residents.
“No public officer owns the territory he administers. No Nigerian citizen’s right to live, associate and express political opinion can be held hostage to party loyalty,” he said.
Mannaseh, who identified himself as an AAC member residing in Kuje, said the alleged statement had created concerns among opposition supporters in the Area Council.
“As an AAC member living in Kuje, that statement was a direct threat against me and every opposition supporter in the Area Council,” he said.
The applicants maintain that Kuje Area Council belongs to all its residents irrespective of their political affiliations and that citizens should be free to support political parties of their choice without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
They contend that the matter goes beyond a political disagreement because the alleged statement was purportedly made by a serving public official and appeared to link residents’ continued residence in the Area Council to their political allegiance.
The suit therefore asks the court to determine whether the alleged declaration amounted to an unlawful attempt to condition citizens’ right to reside and participate in community life on their support for a particular political party.
The case could have broader implications for political freedom and accountability at the grassroots, particularly concerning the use of public office to allegedly intimidate or discriminate against citizens holding opposing political views.
Shekwolo’s response to the allegations was not included in the material available at the time of filing this report.