Amnesty Demands Probe Into Borno Commissioner’s Threats Against Opposition Supporters

By: Peter Emmanuel |

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on Nigerian authorities to thoroughly investigate a viral video in which Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, allegedly threatened political opponents and citizens who refuse to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amnesty said Buba’s remarks, made on August 29, 2026, at a political event organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, were reckless and irresponsible. The rights organisation said threats to punish people because of their political choices violate democratic principles and the rights of citizens.

According to Amnesty, Buba threatened that people who refused to “obey” or support the ruling party would be flogged. The organisation said such statements raise serious concerns about political intimidation and the safety of citizens as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

The rights group also urged the authorities to ensure that any person found to have violated the law through threats or incitement is held accountable. It stressed that political disagreements should not be treated as a basis for punishment or violence.

Amnesty said the authorities must act to prevent a culture of impunity and ensure that citizens can freely exercise their political rights without fear of threats, intimidation or physical harm.

Borno Commissioner Threatens to Flog Those Who Reject APC

In the viral video, Buba was heard warning that those who refused to support or vote for the APC would be punished. He reportedly said those who refused to “obey us” would be flogged, while those who supported the party would “enjoy the honey.”

The commissioner also referred to opposition party symbols while making further threats against people who displayed them. Amnesty said Buba warned that anyone showing the opposition a finger would have the finger cut off or broken.

The remarks were made at a political gathering held by the Tinubu City Boy Movement on August 29. The event comes less than a year before the 2027 general elections, when Nigerians are expected to choose candidates and political parties of their choice.

Amnesty described the comments as unlawful, stressing that citizens cannot be punished for choosing to support or vote for an opposition political party. It said political leaders have a responsibility to protect democratic participation rather than threaten citizens over their political choices.

The organisation stressed that elections are not wars and that Nigerians who belong to opposition parties should not be treated as enemies. It said political competition must be conducted within the limits of the law and respect for citizens’ rights.

Amnesty Warns of Fear and Intimidation Ahead of 2027 Elections

Amnesty warned that threats from politicians and their supporters could contribute to a climate of fear and intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections. It said such rhetoric could further overheat the political environment and create conditions for violence.

The organisation noted that citizens have the right to freely choose which political party or candidate to support. It said these rights are protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, the Electoral Act and international law.

Amnesty urged political parties and politicians to publicly reject statements that promote hatred, discrimination, hostility or violence against political opponents. It said political actors must ensure that their campaigns do not endanger citizens or undermine democratic participation.

The rights group also stressed the need for authorities to take threats of political violence seriously, particularly as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections. It warned that failure to respond to such incidents could encourage similar conduct and deepen public fear.

Amnesty said citizens should be able to participate in political activities, support opposition parties and express their political views without being threatened with punishment. It urged all political actors to respect the democratic rights of Nigerians.

Rights Group Demands Investigation, Accountability

Amnesty International Nigeria called on the Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough and effective investigation into the video and the statements attributed to Buba. It said the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the remarks and determine whether any laws were violated.

The organisation said authorities must ensure that potential impunity is addressed and that anyone found responsible for unlawful threats is held accountable. It stressed that public office holders should not be above the law.

Amnesty also called for stronger measures to prevent political intimidation and violence as the country approaches the 2027 elections. It said authorities must protect citizens regardless of the political parties they support.

The organisation maintained that political parties and their candidates have a duty to condemn threats and any advocacy of violence against opponents. It urged political leaders to promote peaceful competition and respect for divergent political opinions.

Amnesty said Nigeria’s democracy depends on citizens being able to make political choices freely and without fear. It therefore urged the authorities to act on the alleged threats and send a clear message that intimidation and violence have no place in the country’s democratic process.