Borno Commissioner Sainna Buba: 2027 Threat to Flog Non-APC Voters

• Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba threatened to flog citizens who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
• The commissioner's remarks were made at a campaign event in Maiduguri and captured in a viral video.
• Amnesty International condemned the threat as a "danger to democracy" and criticized security agencies for their inaction.
• CISLAC labeled the threat as unacceptable, undemocratic, and a violent undermining of human rights, especially concerning Borno State's history of violence.
• This incident highlights broader concerns about public official electoral misconduct and intimidation ahead of the 2027 Nigerian elections.

The threat of flogging for political non-conformity cannot be dismissed as mere political rhetoric or campaign enthusiasm.

A recent statement by Sainna Buba, Borno State's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, has ignited widespread condemnation following his explicit threats against citizens who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The commissioner's remarks, made during a campaign inauguration event for the Tinubu City Boy Movement in Maiduguri last weekend, were subsequently captured in a viral video, sparking outrage across Nigeria.

During the event, Commissioner Buba articulated a strategy for political engagement that included persuasion, but also overtly mentioned the use of force. He stated that while current efforts were persuasive, any 'malicious' opposition would face severe consequences, including physical harm. Specifically, Buba declared, "This government is our government; follow us and enjoy honey. As for those who refuse to follow us, they will be flogged." He also alluded to the distribution of campaign materials for the state, implying benefits for supporters.

The commissioner's pronouncements have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, highlighting significant legal and human rights implications for the integrity of the 2027 Nigerian elections. Amnesty International expressed profound concern over the inaction of security agencies, despite the public availability of evidence regarding Buba's statements. The organization characterized the commissioner as a "danger to democracy" and his remarks, made on August 29, as "subtle incitement" that warranted immediate justice, emphasizing that the threat to flog non-APC voters was a direct, not figurative, menace.

Echoing these sentiments, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), through its Executive Director Auwal Rafsanjani, vehemently condemned the Borno Commissioner Sainna Buba 2027 threat as unacceptable, undemocratic, and perilous to Nigeria's electoral process. Rafsanjani underscored that democratic principles are founded on the freedom of citizens to choose their leaders without any form of intimidation, coercion, violence, or fear of punishment. He stressed that no public official or political party has the right to dictate how Nigerians vote or to threaten consequences for exercising constitutional political choices, asserting that such threats are designed to violently undermine the human rights of voters.

This incident involving the Borno Commissioner Sainna Buba 2027 threat is particularly alarming given Borno State's history, which has endured immense suffering from Boko Haram violence, political unrest, thuggery, and the weaponization of vulnerable youth. CISLAC pointed out that such language from a public official, whose responsibility extends to all citizens irrespective of political affiliation, is deeply disturbing and undermines the very fabric of democratic governance. The organization emphasized that the threat of flogging for political non-conformity cannot be dismissed as mere political rhetoric or campaign enthusiasm.

The incident also brings to light a pattern of public official electoral misconduct Nigeria has witnessed. Notably, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo, previously issued a similar warning, advising residents who do not support the APC to leave his council ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing President Bola Tinubu's developmental efforts. Such pronouncements from figures within the All Progressives Congress APC threats to non-supporters raise serious questions about the fairness and freedom of future electoral processes and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

This incident highlights the legal and human rights implications of political intimidation by public officials during elections. Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor such threats for potential electoral law violations, human rights abuses, and to advise clients on political risk and the integrity of the 2027 Nigerian elections.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard