The National Human Rights Commission has called for the arrest and prosecution of Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo over an alleged statement telling residents who did not support the All Progressives Congress to leave the area.
The commission said the remarks, which circulated in an online video, could amount to intimidation and an infringement of constitutional political rights.
NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu said freedom of association, movement and protection from discrimination were guaranteed under the Constitution.
He argued that no public official had the legal authority to expel citizens from a community because of their political preferences.
The commission also said the statement could raise issues under electoral, criminal and cybercrime laws dealing with threats, incitement and public disorder.
Any criminal liability would ultimately depend on investigation, evidence and judicial determination.
Ojukwu warned that inflammatory political rhetoric could escalate tension ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said public office should not be used to make access to residence or government services conditional on party support.
The NHRC called on the police to investigate the matter and urged the Department of State Services and Independent National Electoral Commission to take measures to protect residents against political intimidation or disenfranchisement.
It also asked the APC leadership and the Federal Capital Territory Administration to distance themselves from any suggestion that political loyalty was a condition for living in Kuje.
The commission told residents that their constitutional rights remained protected and encouraged anyone facing threats to report to the appropriate authorities.
The controversy follows similar criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations.
The chairman’s full response to the allegations was not contained in the source material.
