Borno Commissioner defends remarks about flogging non-APC supporters

Saina Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and Sports, has denied making direct threats to political opposition following a viral video. In the footage, recorded during a City Boy Movement event in Maiduguri, Buba was heard saying, “Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger,” and suggesting that those who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be “flogged.”

Buba clarified in a press briefing that his remarks were “figurative” and intended to address disgruntled APC members engaging in anti-party activities rather than opposition parties. He stated that his comments meant government welfare packages and empowerment programs would be reserved for party loyalists, while those working against the party would face consequences. He noted that he had “no apology” for the statement.

Amnesty International has criticized the remarks, describing Buba as a “danger to democracy” and expressing concern over the lack of action from security agencies regarding what it termed “subtle incitement.” The organization emphasized that threatening voters is not figurative and undermines the right to political choice. The controversy occurs as political rhetoric intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.