Amnesty demands probe as Borno lawmaker threatens flogging of opponents

Amnesty International Nigeria has asked Nigerian authorities to thoroughly and effectively investigate a viral video allegedly showing Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, threatening political opponents with punishment if they refused to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The rights group made the demand in a Sunday statement.

Buba reportedly made the remarks at a campaign inauguration organised by the City Boy Movement.

“Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers,” the commissioner can be heard saying.

He further warned those who opposed the government, saying: “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. The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged.”

Reacting, Amnesty described the remark as outrageous and unlawful.

The group said, “The Nigerian authorities must thoroughly and effectively investigate a viral video in which a member of Borno state cabinet was threatening opponents or those who belong to opposition political parties.

“His outrageous outburst that; “those who refused to obey us (vote their party) will be flogged” is unlawful. In democracy people are not punished for their political choices.

“Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, is flagrantly violating the law by threatening political opponents with punishment if they refused or did not support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). These remarks by Sainna Buba made yesterday 29 August 2026 are reckless and irresponsible.

“The authorities must stamp out any potential impunity by ensuring such incidents are investigated.

“Election is not war and those who belong or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy.

“People’s right to make political choices is protected by Nigeria’s constitution, the Electoral Act and international law.

“Ahead of 2027 elections, some politicians are already overheating the polity through threats and intimidation directed at opponents. This is already creating a toxic climate of fear.

“Political parties and politicians must publicly condemn any advocacy of hatred or incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.”