Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Saina Buba, has drawn widespread condemnation following a viral video capturing him issuing violent threats against political opponents and anyone who refuses to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buba made the controversial remarks during a campaign inauguration event organized by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group mobilizing grassroots backing for President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 re-election bid.

Key Highlights From the Incident

  • The Threats of Physical Harm: Addressing the gathering, Buba used aggressive rhetoric to warn critics and opposition figures. He stated, “Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers… 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.”

  • Weaponizing Government Benefits: Beyond physical intimidation, the commissioner declared that state patronage and resources would be strictly restricted to party loyalists, adding, “The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged.”

  • Growing Public Backlash: Civil society groups and critics have lambasted the remarks, pointing out that such statements violate citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful political choice under the law.

The incident has heightened concerns over voter intimidation and escalating political rhetoric as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, closely following similar controversial remarks made by other political officeholders across the country. Neither Buba nor the Borno State Government has issued an official statement or clarification regarding the video.