The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate investigation and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over an alleged directive that residents must support or vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the council.
The opposition party described the alleged statement as a serious threat to the constitutional rights of residents and an attempt to intimidate citizens over their political choices.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegation and prosecute Shekwolo if the claim is established.
The party also challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to clarify his reported July 29, 2026, remark that “all is fair in politics,” warning that the statement could be interpreted by political actors as approval for intimidation, voter suppression and other unlawful conduct.
ADC said the alleged Kuje statement should not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric, arguing that an elected official had a responsibility to protect all residents regardless of their political affiliations.
“If accurately reported, such a statement is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” the party said.
The opposition party argued that Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution protect citizens’ rights to freedom of association, movement and freedom from discrimination.
It noted that Shekwolo was elected to serve all residents of Kuje Area Council, including those who did not vote for him.
ADC cited the reported election figures, saying Shekwolo secured 17,269 votes, while the PDP candidate polled 15,824 votes and the APGA candidate received 4,305 votes.
The party said the figures showed that a significant number of Kuje residents did not vote for the council chairman but remained entitled to equal protection under the law.
The ADC also linked the Kuje controversy to allegations involving APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi during the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
According to the party, Fadahunsi was reported to have made threatening comments against opposition supporters and voters during the election and was subsequently questioned by the police and released without charge.
ADC called for a transparent review of the allegations, insisting that threats and inflammatory statements capable of triggering electoral violence should not go without proper investigation.
The party warned that allowing political actors to make threats without consequences could create the impression that political power could be used to intimidate citizens.
The ADC also asked President Tinubu to personally clarify his reported “all is fair in politics” comment.
According to the opposition party, the President’s words carry significant weight among members and supporters of the ruling APC.
“If the statement was not intended to suggest that political actors could employ intimidation, threats, voter suppression or other unlawful methods in pursuit of political advantage, the President should make that clear,” the party said.
It urged the President to publicly condemn attempts by politicians, regardless of party affiliation, to intimidate voters or threaten their rights.
ADC also called on the APC leadership to distance itself from the alleged Kuje statement and take disciplinary action if the allegation against Shekwolo is established.
The opposition party further urged the National Peace Committee to intervene before political rhetoric escalates into violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC said the reported incidents should be treated as an early warning, stressing that preventive action was necessary before political tensions become violent.
The party demanded the immediate investigation of the alleged “vote APC or leave” statement, preservation of relevant video, audio and documentary evidence, and appropriate legal action if the allegations are proven.
It also called for a clarification from President Tinubu, a directive against political intimidation and violence, and a public retraction and apology from Shekwolo if he is found to have made the statement.
