Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has sparked controversy after making remarks threatening political opponents and people who refuse to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Buba made the comments on Saturday, August 29, during the inauguration of a campaign organised by the City Boy Movement, a political support group mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. A video of the commissioner’s remarks has since circulated widely online.
Speaking at the event, Buba warned critics against what he described as opposition to the state government and used threatening language in referring to gestures associated with political dissent.
“Whoever raises their fingers against us, we will do the same to them. If you raise your fingers again, we will cut them off,” he said in the video.
In another part of his remarks, the commissioner said: “The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged.”
The comments have drawn criticism over their implications for political tolerance and freedom of political expression, particularly coming from a serving state government official as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amnesty International Nigeria has described the remarks as unacceptable and called for an investigation into the commissioner’s statements.
The rights organisation said threatening political opponents with violence or punishment was inconsistent with democratic principles and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The controversy has also raised concerns about the use of government positions and resources in political mobilisation, particularly where statements appear to suggest that supporters of a ruling party may receive preferential treatment.
Buba’s comments that APC supporters would “enjoy the honey” while those who refused to support the party would be “flogged” have been interpreted by critics as suggesting that access to government benefits could be linked to political loyalty. However, it remains unclear whether he intended the statement literally or as political rhetoric.
As of Monday, August 31, neither Buba nor the Borno State Government had publicly issued a clarification on the remarks, according to reports on the controversy.
The incident comes only days after another controversy involving an APC official in the Federal Capital Territory. Danjuma Shekwolo, chairman of Kuje Area Council, was reported to have told residents to support the APC in the 2027 election or leave the area, further fuelling concerns over political rhetoric ahead of the polls.
Borno has experienced years of insurgency and insecurity, making political stability and public confidence particularly sensitive issues in the state.
Political analysts and civil society organisations are likely to face renewed questions over whether inflammatory statements by political actors could intimidate voters or undermine citizens’ freedom to choose candidates of their preference.
Nigeria’s electoral laws guarantee citizens the right to participate in elections and choose candidates without coercion. Consequently, calls for investigation into such remarks are centred not only on the language used but also on ensuring that political competition remains peaceful and voluntary.
The commissioner’s comments remain allegations of political intimidation rather than evidence that any voter has actually been subjected to physical punishment. No arrest or prosecution arising from the remarks had been announced as of Monday.
With the 2027 elections still months away, the controversy has nevertheless added to growing calls for political parties and public officials to moderate their language and avoid statements that could heighten tensions or undermine confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
