Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has come under fire following controversial remarks in which he allegedly threatened political opponents and people who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Buba made the remarks during the inauguration of a political campaign organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement in Maiduguri, a support group mobilising for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

In a video from the event circulating on social media, the commissioner warned those he accused of attacking the APC, saying that anyone who “shows us a finger” would have the finger broken.

He also reportedly warned that people who refused to support the ruling party would be “flogged”, while encouraging supporters to follow the government and “enjoy the honey.”

The comments have sparked criticism from political groups and rights advocates, who argued that citizens should be free to support any political party or candidate without fear of intimidation.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Borno State chapter, condemned the remarks and called on security and electoral authorities to take the reported threats seriously.

The group said Nigerians have constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and political choice, adding that opposition members should not be intimidated because of their political affiliation.

Amnesty International Nigeria has also demanded a thorough investigation into the viral video.

The rights organisation described the reported comments as reckless and irresponsible, stressing that people cannot be punished for their political choices in a democracy.

Amnesty further warned that inflammatory statements from politicians and public officials could create a climate of fear ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that “election is not war” and opposition supporters should not be treated as enemies.

However, Buba has disputed the interpretation of his remarks, saying they were taken out of context.

The commissioner reportedly explained that the gathering was an internal political event and that his comments were directed at aggrieved members of his own political camp whom he accused of engaging in anti-party activities, rather than a threat against members of opposition parties.

He also maintained that his references to breaking fingers and flogging were figurative.

Despite the explanation, the controversy has continued to generate reactions, particularly because it comes at a time when political parties and support groups are intensifying mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The incident has renewed concerns over the language used by political actors and public officials during election campaigns and the potential consequences of statements that could be interpreted as threats or intimidation.

With the political atmosphere already heating up ahead of 2027, attention is now on whether the relevant authorities will investigate the commissioner’s remarks and what steps, if any, will follow