{
  "id": 4785687,
  "title": "Shekwolo, Buba, Fadahunsi’s dangerous rhetoric threatens democracy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/shekwolo-buba-fadahunsis-dangerous-rhetoric-threatens-democracy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T04:11:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/shekwolo-buba-fadahunsis-dangerous-rhetoric-threatens-democracy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's political landscape is growing more volatile as the 2027 general elections draw near, with alarming rhetoric from key figures risking the nation's democratic stability. The Kuje Area Council chairman, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, sparked controversy by telling residents they must either support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the area. Amnesty International and the African Democratic Congress condemned his remarks, demanding his arrest and prosecution. Shekwolo later claimed he had no power to exclude anyone and that his words were context-specific. However, the initial statement's severity cannot be ignored. Meanwhile, Borno State's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Saina Buba, warned critics of the state government that they would face consequences, such as severed fingers or broken bones. Such inflammatory language has no place in democratic politics, especially as election preparations intensify. These incidents, particularly the ones from the ruling APC, underscore the need for the party to dissociate itself from such acts and call their proponents to order. The police's response to these threats has been deemed too lenient, as recent history has shown how dangerous political language can escalate to violence. Nigerian lawmakers should be held accountable for their inflammatory rhetoric, as their words can influence supporters and potentially spark conflict. The police should thoroughly investigate these cases and apply the law without bias, setting a clear precedent that threats of violence will not be tolerated. Citizens must remember their constitutional right to support any candidate or party without fear of retribution.",
  "summary": "Nigeria’s political class is once again heating the polity as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. From Abuja to Borno and Osun, politicians have recently made statements that should concern every Nigerian who values peaceful elections and democratic freedoms. The latest incidents involving the chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}