Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has threatened that people who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election would be “flogged,” in the latest in a string of controversial remarks heightening political tension ahead of the polls.
Buba also warned those he accused of attacking the APC that their “finger” would be broken, while telling residents who support the ruling party that they would “enjoy honey.”
His comments come against the backdrop of President Bola Tinubu’s earlier declaration that “all is fair in politics,” and recent controversial remarks by Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Shekwolo and Senator Francis Fadahunsi in Osun State, which have fuelled concerns over increasingly inflammatory political rhetoric ahead of 2027.
Buba made the remarks in a video circulating on social media yesterday during the inauguration of a campaign by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a political support group mobilising support for the President’s re-election.
Addressing supporters, the commissioner said political mobilisation could involve persuasion or force, but noted that the group was currently adopting persuasion to win support for the APC.
He, however, warned those who refused to support the ruling party and those he accused of attacking it, particularly on social media, saying “as for those who refuse to follow us, they will be flogged.” Buba also warned that the party would respond to what he described as malicious attacks from political opponents.
“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,” he said.
Buba urged residents to support the APC, suggesting that those who did so would benefit from the administration.
“This government is our government; follow us and enjoy honey,” he said.
The commissioner also spoke about the distribution of campaign materials in the state and urged supporters to take advantage of the ongoing political mobilisation.
His remarks are the latest to generate concerns over the tone of political mobilisation as parties and support groups step up activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy comes weeks after Tinubu declared that “all is fair in politics,” a remark that has subsequently featured prominently in exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition over the conduct of political actors.
Tinubu made the remark on July 29 during a meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he spoke on political developments and the party’s preparations ahead of the next general election.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) subsequently challenged the President to clarify the remark, warning that it should not be interpreted by political supporters as approval for intimidation or other unlawful conduct.
The Presidency, however, rejected attempts to portray Tinubu’s comment as an endorsement of political violence or illegality.
The debate intensified following remarks attributed to the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo, who reportedly told residents unwilling to support the APC in 2027 to leave the area.
Shekwolo reportedly linked his position to what he described as developmental interventions by the Tinubu administration and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The remarks generated criticism, particularly from opposition politicians, who argued that Nigerians had a constitutional right to support political parties and candidates of their choice irrespective of where they lived.
Shekwolo subsequently backtracked on the controversial remarks amid the backlash.
In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, also came under fire over remarks concerning supporters of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The comments triggered condemnation from political actors and civil society groups, while Governor Ademola Adeleke called for the senator’s arrest and investigation.
Fadahunsi subsequently denied advocating violence, saying his remarks had been misconstrued and that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party politically through votes.
The senator was later invited by the Osun State Police Command for questioning over the controversy.
Coming after the Kuje and Osun incidents, Buba’s threat to flog those unwilling to support the APC is expected to further fuel debate over the tone of political mobilisation and the responsibility of public officials to avoid rhetoric capable of encouraging intimidation or violence.
The controversies are also unfolding as opposition parties intensify moves to forge a common front against Tinubu and the APC in 2027, while the ruling party expands its campaign structures across the country.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional order, citizens have the right to associate freely, participate in political activities and support candidates and political parties of their choice without intimidation or coercion.
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