• Group Warns Against Normalisation of Political Intimidation Ahead of 2027 Elections
By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the reported remarks by the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, allegedly directing residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council, describing the statement as a threat to democratic freedoms and an unacceptable use of public office for political intimidation.
The organisation said an elected council chairman is responsible for all residents, irrespective of their political affiliations, voting choices or decision not to belong to any political party.
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, said the reported statement was “deeply concerning”, warning that public office must not be used to compel citizens to support a particular political party.
According to him, citizens who support opposition parties or choose to remain politically unaffiliated must be allowed to live peacefully and access public services without fear of intimidation or exclusion.
Mamedu also questioned whether law-enforcement agencies would respond with the same urgency if similar statements were made by opposition politicians.
He cited recent controversies surrounding comments attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East Senatorial District, which led to his invitation by the Nigeria Police for questioning over alleged threatening and inciting remarks ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The senator, however, reportedly maintained that his remarks had been distorted and that he was advocating defeating the opposition through the ballot box.
ActionAid said the two incidents should not be treated as isolated political excesses, warning that the recurrence of allegedly threatening political rhetoric could signal the emergence of a dangerous culture of political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“When, within a matter of weeks, we move from alleged threats against opposition supporters during an election in Osun to an elected chairman telling residents to support his political party or leave his council, we should be worried,” Mamedu said.
“These are no longer statements we can afford to treat as isolated political excesses. A dangerous culture of political intimidation is at risk of becoming normalised in Nigeria.”
The organisation recalled that the Constitution guarantees citizens freedom of association and political choice, while Section 40 protects the right to freely associate.
It also cited Section 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits threats intended to compel citizens to support or refrain from supporting a political party or candidate.
ActionAid Nigeria therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant authorities to investigate the Kuje chairman’s remarks and determine whether any law was breached.
The organisation also urged political parties, particularly the APC, to make clear to their elected officials and supporters that threats, intimidation and exclusionary political rhetoric have no place in Nigeria’s democracy.
It urged politicians preparing for the 2027 elections to focus on policies, records, ideas and practical solutions to the challenges confronting Nigerians rather than resorting to fear, threats or coercion.
ActionAid further called on law-enforcement agencies to ensure equal accountability, irrespective of political affiliation, public office or proximity to power.
“Political choice is a right, not a debt owed to those in power,” the organisation said, stressing that no Nigerian should be forced to choose between exercising political freedom and living peacefully or accessing public services in the country.
