The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has threatened political opponents with physical harm, warning those who oppose the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Buba made the remarks on Monday at a campaign inauguration organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu and his anticipated 2027 re-election bid.
Addressing supporters at the event, the commissioner used violent language while warning critics and those who may refuse to support the ruling party.
“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.
The commissioner also appeared to link access to government benefits to political support for the APC.
“The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged,” he said.
His comments have raised concerns over political intolerance and the conduct expected of serving public officials as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The remarks have also drawn attention to the potential impact of inflammatory political statements on public safety and citizens’ freedom to support candidates or parties of their choice.
Under Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system, voters are entitled to choose their preferred political candidates without threats or coercion.
Buba has yet to clarify whether his comments were intended literally or were made as aggressive political rhetoric during the campaign event.
The Borno State Government had also not issued an official response to the commissioner’s remarks as of the time of filing this report.
The incident comes five days after the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, reportedly told residents to either vote for the APC in 2027 or leave the council area.
