The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has come under scrutiny after suggesting that political opponents could be dealt with through “force”.
He also threatened to flog those who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
Buba made the remarks in a video circulating on social media on Monday, during the inauguration of an event organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The commissioner said the APC was currently using persuasion to win support but warned that the approach could change if its opponents continued to attack the party on social media.
“In politics, sometimes things go smoothly, sometimes it goes with persuasion, and sometimes it goes with force. Right now, we are being persuasive, but we’ve noticed they are throwing jabs at us on TikTok,” Buba said.
He went further to threaten retaliation against those he accused of attacking the party.
“If they point fingers at us, we will point fingers at them; if they point fingers at us with malicious intent, then we will hold that finger and break it,” he said.
Buba then issued the direct threat against those unwilling to support the ruling party.
“This government is our government; follow us and enjoy honey. As for those who refuse to follow us, they will be flogged,” he said.
The commissioner also urged residents to support the APC, saying campaign materials to be provided by the state would be distributed among supporters.
His comments have raised concerns over the use of threats and coercive language by political actors ahead of the 2027 elections, with particular attention on the implication of such remarks coming from a serving government official.
The statement is also coming at a time of heightened political activity ahead of the elections, with several politicians recently facing criticism over comments perceived as threatening or inflammatory.
The PUNCH had reported that the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo, warned residents who did not support the APC to leave the council ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, was questioned by the police following controversial comments concerning members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Fadahunsi later denied advocating physical violence, saying he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes.
The latest remarks by Buba have again brought the issue of political intimidation to the fore, particularly concerns over whether voters can freely choose their preferred parties and candidates without threats or pressure as the 2027 elections approach.
