Investigate Borno Commissioner For Threatening To Flog Opposition Supporters, Amnesty Tells Authorities

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to thoroughly and effectively investigate the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, over a viral video in which he threatened political opponents and members of opposition parties.

The global rights organisation described Buba’s outburst that “those who refused to obey us will be flogged” as unlawful, reckless and irresponsible, stressing that in a democracy, people must not be punished for their political choices.

Amnesty said Buba is flagrantly violating the law by threatening political opponents with punishment if they refused to support the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, noting that his remarks made on August 29, 2026, are capable of creating a toxic climate of fear ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The authorities must stamp out any potential impunity by ensuring such incidents are investigated. Election is not war and those who belong or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy,” Amnesty said.

The organisation reminded that people’s right to make political choices is protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, the Electoral Act and international law.

“Ahead of 2027 elections, some politicians are already overheating the polity through threats and intimidation directed at opponents. This is already creating a toxic climate of fear,” it said.

Amnesty also urged political parties and politicians to publicly condemn any advocacy of hatred or incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.

The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, had sparked outrage after threatening political opponents with violence if they refused to support the APC.

Buba, an ally of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, made the remarks on Saturday at a campaign inauguration organized by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group promoting President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his re-election bid for 2027.

In a video from the event, the commissioner was heard warning those who oppose the government against challenging it.

“Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers,” Buba said.

“We are now playing politics. Whoever shows us a finger, we will show him a finger. Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger,” he added.

Buba further stated that those who support the government would benefit, while those who refuse would face punishment.

“The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged,” he said.

As at the time of filing the initial report, Buba had not clarified whether the remarks were intended literally or as political rhetoric.