NDC, Amnesty Condemn Borno Commissioner’s Alleged Threat To Opposition

The Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC ) , and Amnesty International (AI), have expressed concerns over reported threat by Borno State Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Comrade Saina Buba to physically harm opposition members in the State if they fail to support the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

Buba, who is a top member of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s cabinet reportedly issued the threat yesterday in a viral video during the inauguration of City Boy Movement mobilisation campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election for the Northeast at the Elkenemi Warriors Sports Centre in Maiduguri .

In the viral video which was obtained by LEADERSHIP on Monday, the Commissioner reportedly said, Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers,” while also stating that those who follow them would “enjoy the honey” and those who refuse would be “flogged.”

However, it was not clear if the commissioner was referring to party members who are aggrieved with the outcome of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) primaries or the opposition party faithful.

Meanwhile, a statement issued to Journalists on Monday in Maiduguri by the Spokesman of the National Democratic Congress ( NDC ) , Comrade AK Balarabe, reminded the Commissioner and the Borno State Government that citizens have constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and political choice.

Balarabe added that no Nigerian should be threatened or intimidated because of his or her political affiliation or refusal to support a particular political party.

“We therefore call on the appropriate security and electoral authorities to take these reported threats seriously, monitor the situation and ensure the protection of opposition members and supporters in Borno State.

” For the avoidance of doubt, the NDC formally places on record its concern over these reported threats. Should any harm, attack, intimidation or violence befall any member or supporter of the opposition in connection with these threats, we expect the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances and establish responsibility in accordance with the law.

“We further call on Hon. Sainna Buba to clarify the reported statements and publicly assure the people of Borno State that political disagreement will not be met with threats or violence,” the statement read.

He said the NDC will not be intimidated, adding that they will continue to defend democracy, constitutional rights and peaceful political participation through lawful and democratic means.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International (AI), has said the Nigerian authorities must thoroughly and effectively investigate the viral video in which it said a member of Borno state cabinet was threatening opponents or those who belong to opposition political parties.

AI in a statement added that the Commissioner’s outrageous outburst that; “those who refused to obey us (vote their party) will be flogged” is unlawful, noting that in a democracy people are not punished for their political choices.

The International body said,” 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.”