The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, has clarified his controversial remark, asking residents to either support the All Progressives Congress or leave the council.
Shekwolo came under criticism after a video surfaced on Tuesday in which he said, “It’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council,” while discussing support for President Bola Tinubu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The remarks drew condemnation from groups including Amnesty International and political organizations, which argued that residents should not have their right to live in the area or make political choices tied to support for a particular party.
Speaking to journalists and stakeholders on Wednesday, Shekwolo said his comments had been taken out of context and did not represent his intentions or the position of his administration.
He explained that the remarks were made during a meeting with APC youths and loyalists while discussing administrative efficiency, development, and community welfare.
Shekwolo also acknowledged that he had no authority to disenfranchise residents or deny them their fundamental rights because of their political affiliation.
He said his administration remained committed to inclusive governance and the development of all communities in Kuje, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic differences.
Shekwolo urged residents to work with his administration to develop the area council and appealed to the media to verify the context of statements before publication.
Shekwolo, who contested the February 2026 Kuje Area Council election on the APC platform, won with 17,269 votes against PDP candidate Zakwoyi Danlami’s 15,824 votes.
