Sainna Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, has triggered intense public alarm by openly threatening political opponents with physical violence and government retaliation if they refuse to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) . In a stern warning that has raised serious concerns about voter intimidation, the state official declared that non-supporters would face severe personal consequences. The aggressive rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from citizens and political analysts alike, who argue that such hostile declarations undermine democratic freedoms and voter safety in the region.

The controversial remarks were delivered during a high-profile campaign inauguration hosted by the Tinubu City Boy Movement , a prominent political group dedicated to promoting President Bola Tinubu’s current administration and laying the groundwork for his anticipated 2027 re-election bid . Speaking directly to the gathered supporters, Buba used the platform to issue his ultimatum, explicitly targeting those who might oppose the ruling party’s agenda. The event, which was intended to drum up grassroots momentum for the administration, has instead become a focal point of intense scrutiny over the use of coercive language ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

Addressing the gathering, the commissioner issued a stern warning to critics and opposition figures, using violent imagery to caution against political dissent.

“Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers,” Buba stated, adding, “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.”

In addition to threats of physical retaliation, Buba outlined a policy of political patronage and exclusion, explicitly stating that government benefits would be weaponized against non-supporters.

“The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged,” he said.

Buba’s comments have drawn sharp criticism, raising serious questions regarding political tolerance, democratic norms, and the protection of dissenting voices in Borno State.

Some critics pointed out that such aggressive rhetoric from a serving public official threatens public safety and undermines the foundational principles of multi-party democracy.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually begin to gain momentum among political parties and support groups, incidents like this highlight simmering tensions on the ground.

As of the time of reporting, Sainna Buba has yet to clarify his controversial remarks, leaving the public to debate whether his words were literal threats of violence or merely aggressive political rhetoric. His silence has only intensified the growing backlash, as citizens and observers demand accountability for the hostile language used during the campaign event.

Compounding the controversy, the Borno State Government has not issued an official response or statement regarding the commissioner’s comments. The administration’s current silence has drawn criticism from opposition figures and rights groups, who argue that a failure to condemn the remarks could be seen as tacit approval of voter intimidation.

This incident closely follows another high-profile case of political coercion in the country, occurring just five days after a similar ultimatum in the nation’s capital. Danjuma Shekwolo , the Chairman of the Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recently sparked outrage by telling residents to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 or pack up and leave the council area entirely.