“I Will Flog You If You Don’t Vote APC In 2027” – Police Quiz Borno Commissioner Sainna Buba Over Threat To Voters
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigation into inciting comments credited to the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, over an alleged threat to flog residents who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general election.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the joint security spokespersons briefing, while addressing issues around the August 16 Osun State governorship election and recent controversial statements by political actors.
According to Iniedu, Buba is being investigated alongside the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, who reportedly told residents to either vote APC in 2027 or leave the council, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi representing Osun East, who was captured in a video allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party.
“I was part of the team that questioned the distinguished Senator in Osun State. The law is very clear when it comes to inciting. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as you comment on the electoral process,” Iniedu said.
“The Nigerian Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order, and we will not shy away from this responsibility, no matter whose ox is gored.”
He said the Borno Commissioner became a subject of investigation after a video and comments attributed to him surfaced online, where he reportedly threatened to flog residents who refused to support the APC in the 2027 polls.
The police spokesman said all the inciting statements are currently under investigation and the outcome will be made public.
“Every inciting statement listed here is under investigation presently, and the outcome will be released. We want to also use this opportunity to advise and caution all political stakeholders to desist from such comments,” he said.
The Force also confirmed that 154 persons arrested during the Osun State governorship election are still undergoing investigation.
It appealed to members of the public to cooperate with investigators by providing evidence, lamenting that unwillingness of witnesses to testify in court remains a major challenge to prosecution.
“He who alleges must prove his allegations. The challenge we have in Nigeria right now is that most of our witnesses, those who have evidence to an incident, do not come forward when it is time to go to court,” Iniedu added.
