Amnesty International has expressed concern over alleged threats of political violence in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, calling on Nigerian authorities to investigate and hold accountable anyone found responsible for inciting violence.
The organisation said residents of Kuje could continue to live in fear if security agencies fail to take action over allegations involving the council chairman, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo.
In a statement, Amnesty International alleged that Shekwolo had threatened violence against residents who refused to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the alleged demand as unlawful and a threat to citizens’ fundamental political rights.
The organisation said making support for a political party a condition for residents to live peacefully and exercise their civic rights was unacceptable.
Amnesty International urged the authorities to take the allegations seriously and ensure that residents are able to participate freely in electoral activities without intimidation, threats or violence.
The rights organisation also called for stronger measures ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that politicians and other influential individuals must be held accountable for politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence and human rights abuses.
It said accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation or the group to which an alleged offender belongs.
“Any politician or other leader responsible for carrying out, inciting or threatening politically, religiously or ethnically motivated violence or human rights abuses must be held to account,” the organisation said.
Amnesty International maintained that protecting citizens’ rights to vote freely and participate in political activities without fear would be critical to credible and peaceful elections in 2027 and beyond.
