The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has threatened to flog individuals who decline to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Buba made the statement in a video circulating on social media on Monday, showing a campaign inauguration organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term.
While addressing supporters at the event, the commissioner said those who support the APC would benefit from the government, but warned that those who refuse to align with 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.
“We should all be aware that they will bring campaign materials for the state for us all to benefit,” he said.
The commissioner’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of political statements ahead of the 2027 elections, with concerns over rhetoric that could be interpreted as threatening opponents or supporters of rival parties.
A similar controversy was recently recorded in the Federal Capital Territory, where the chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Shekwolo, reportedly warned residents who do not support the APC to leave the council ahead of the elections.
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Shekwolo made the remark in a video that circulated on social media on Tuesday while addressing residents and his followers.
The council chairman linked his position to what he described as the developmental interventions of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Kuje.
According to him, residents should not benefit from the administration’s projects and subsequently vote against the APC in 2027.
Political rhetoric surrounding the elections has also generated controversy in Osun State.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, faced criticism over comments concerning members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The remarks attracted condemnation from political stakeholders and civil society organisations, while Governor Ademola Adeleke called for Fadahunsi’s arrest and investigation.
Fadahunsi subsequently rejected allegations that he was encouraging violence, explaining that his statement had been misunderstood. He said he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes rather than physically attacking its members.
The senator was later invited and questioned by the Osun State Police Command over the comments.
The latest statement from the Borno commissioner has further intensified concerns over the nature of political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly fears that inflammatory remarks from political figures could raise tensions and interfere with citizens’ freedom to support parties of their choice.