The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has threatened to flog people who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general election.
Buba made the remark in a video circulating on social media. The video showed him speaking at a campaign inauguration organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Borno commissioner threatens non-APC supporters
During the event, Buba said the APC was currently trying to persuade people to support the party. However, he claimed that some individuals had continued to criticise the government on social media.
He warned that those who refused to support the party would face consequences.
“As for some people who do not deserve us to call their names. 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. Well, it is not as if we are inefficient at blowing the whistle on politics.
“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. This government is our government; follow us and enjoy honey. As for those who refuse to follow us, they will be flogged.”
Buba also said APC supporters would benefit from campaign materials expected to arrive in the state.
“We should all be aware that they will bring campaign materials for the state for us all to benefit,” he said.
Comment comes ahead of 2027 election
The commissioner’s remark comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general election.
His comments have also drawn attention to the growing use of aggressive language by political actors ahead of the polls.
The latest incident follows another controversy involving a political office holder who made comments that were widely criticised as threatening towards opposition supporters.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Shekwolo, recently warned residents who did not support the APC to leave the council.
Shekwolo said his position followed what he described as development efforts by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Concerns over political threats
Political tensions have increased as parties prepare for the 2027 elections. Critics have raised concerns that inflammatory statements could heighten political tension and affect voters’ freedom to choose their preferred candidates.
Buba’s comments have therefore added to the debate over the tone of political campaigns ahead of the election.
The commissioner’s statement, as contained in the circulating video, was directed at people who refuse to support the APC.
