Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has sparked controversy after threatening that residents who decline to support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general election would be “flogged.”
In a now-trending video on Monday, Buba also issued a warning to individuals he accused of attacking the ruling party, particularly on social media, saying their “finger” would be broken, while urging APC supporters to back the government and “enjoy honey.”
The commissioner’s remarks come amid growing concerns over increasingly heated political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, following President Bola Tinubu’s earlier declaration that “all is fair in politics” and controversial statements attributed to Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Shekwolo, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun State.
Buba made the comments in a video circulated on social media yesterday at the inauguration of a campaign organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group campaigning for the President’s re-election.
While addressing supporters, the commissioner said political mobilisation could be achieved either through persuasion or force, but maintained that the group was presently relying on persuasion to attract support for the APC.
He, however, threatened those who rejected the ruling party and those he accused of attacking it, especially through social media. “as for those who refuse to follow us, they will be flogged.” Buba also warned that the APC would retaliate against what he characterised as malicious attacks from its opponents.
“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 further appealed to residents to align with the APC, indicating that supporters would benefit from the government.
“This government is our government; follow us and enjoy honey,” he said.
The commissioner also addressed the distribution of campaign materials across the state, encouraging supporters to participate actively in the political mobilisation already underway.
His comments have added to concerns about the language being used by political actors and support groups as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The latest controversy follows Tinubu’s July declaration that “all is fair in politics,” a statement that has since featured in political exchanges between the APC and opposition parties over the conduct of political activities.
Tinubu made the comment on July 29 while meeting APC leaders and stakeholders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he discussed political developments and preparations for the forthcoming general election.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) later asked the President to explain the statement, cautioning that it should not be understood by his supporters as approval for intimidation, violence or other unlawful actions.
The Presidency subsequently dismissed suggestions that Tinubu’s remark amounted to an endorsement of political violence or illegality.
The debate was further intensified by comments attributed to Samuel Shekwolo, chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, who reportedly advised residents unwilling to support the APC in 2027 to leave the area.
Shekwolo reportedly justified the position by referring to developmental projects undertaken by the Tinubu administration and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
His comments attracted criticism, particularly from opposition figures, who maintained that Nigerians were constitutionally entitled to support whichever political parties or candidates they preferred regardless of their place of residence.
Shekwolo later withdrew the controversial comments following the public backlash.
A similar controversy emerged in Osun State involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, over comments concerning supporters of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The remarks drew condemnation from political stakeholders and civil society organisations, while Governor Ademola Adeleke called for the senator’s arrest and investigation.
Fadahunsi later denied promoting violence, maintaining that his comments had been misunderstood and that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through the ballot.
The Osun State Police Command subsequently invited the senator for questioning over the disputed remarks.
Against the backdrop of the Kuje and Osun controversies, Buba’s threat to flog people who refuse to support the APC is likely to intensify concerns about the language of political mobilisation and the obligation of public officials to avoid statements that could be interpreted as encouraging intimidation or violence.
The developments are occurring as opposition parties step up efforts to build a united platform against Tinubu and the APC ahead of 2027, while the ruling party continues to strengthen its political structures across the country.
Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to associate, participate in political activities and support political parties and candidates of their choice without intimidation or coercion.
