Christians in Politics Nigeria, (CIP) has strongly condemned the statement credited to the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, FCT, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, threatening to chase out residents who refuse to join or vote for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in 2027 elections.
CIP described the declaration that “those who will not vote APC must leave Kuje” as unconstitutional, reckless, and a direct threat to lives, peace, and democratic values.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Coordinator,
Christians in Politics Nigeria, (CIP), Dr Shallangwa Hassana, pointed out that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy.
It stressed that no public office holder has the right to coerce, intimidate, or force citizens to belong to a political party as a condition to live in their own community.
Section 38(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 [as amended] guarantees: “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”
Section 40 further provides: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.”
These provisions make it clear that freedom of association, worship, and political choice are fundamental rights. Any attempt to violate them is an attack on the rule of law and the unity of our nation.
According to the statement, “as Christians, we believe leadership is service, not domination. We call on the Church in Kuje, security agencies, and relevant authorities to call Hon. Shekwolo to order and to desist from such divisive utterances that can incite tension and violence.”
CIP urged all citizens of Kuje to remain calm and law-abiding. No one should be threatened out of their homes because of their political conviction.
“We reaffirm our commitment to politics with integrity, respect for human dignity, and the protection of constitutional rights for all Nigerians, irrespective of party, tribe, or religion,” Dr. Hassana noted.
