Amnesty International has condemned the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over alleged threats to expel residents who refuse to join or vote for the All Progressives Congress.
The organisation, in a statement, said Shekwolo’s alleged declaration that residents who would not vote for the APC should leave the area constituted a direct threat to their rights, including freedom of association and liberty.
Amnesty said no public official had the right to make continued residence in any part of Nigeria conditional on support for a political party.
It urged the police and other security agencies to intervene and prevent any attempt to use violence or intimidation against residents over their political choices.
The organisation also called on the security agencies to investigate the alleged threats and ensure that Shekwolo faces justice if found culpable.
Amnesty described the alleged threats as reckless and irresponsible, warning that political affiliation must not determine whether Nigerians are allowed to live in a particular community.
It said government had a duty to protect human rights before, during and after elections.
The organisation stressed that such rights were guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights standards.
Amnesty further urged the authorities to ensure that residents of Kuje could freely exercise their political rights without fear of eviction, violence or intimidation.
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