2027: Borno commissioner threatens to flog anti-APC supporters

THE Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has sparked controversy after threatening to flog people who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Buba made the statement in a video circulating on social media on Monday during the inauguration of a campaign event organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a group backing President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term.

The commissioner said political engagement could involve persuasion or force, adding that the government belonged to those supporting the APC.

READ ALSO: Tinubu meets Kano governor Yusuf amid APC defection talks, Kwankwaso camp fights

According to him, supporters of the ruling party would benefit from government programmes and campaign materials expected to be distributed across the state.

“Sometimes things go smoothly, sometimes it goes with persuasion, and sometimes it goes with force. Right now, we are being persuasive,” Buba said.

He alleged that some individuals had been attacking the APC on TikTok, warning that the party would respond to what he described as malicious political attacks.

“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.

“This government is our government; follow us and enjoy honey. As for those who refuse to follow us, they will be flogged.”

The remarks have added to growing concerns over the language being used by politicians and political actors as parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.

Buba’s comments come amid a series of controversial political statements by public officials and political figures.

Recently, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Shekwolo, was seen in a social media video warning residents who do not support the APC to leave the area ahead of the 2027 elections.

Shekwolo attributed his position to what he described as development projects carried out by the Tinubu administration and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Kuje.

He argued that residents who benefited from the administration’s interventions should support the APC at the polls.

There was also controversy surrounding comments by Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Fadahunsi faced criticism after remarks concerning members of the Accord Party were interpreted as a threat of violence. Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently called for his arrest and investigation.

READ ALSO: Tinubu inducing opposition members to defect to APC, Odinkalu, Ojudu, 15 others claim

The senator later denied threatening violence, explaining that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes rather than physically attacking its members.

The Osun State Police Command subsequently invited Fadahunsi for questioning over the comments.

“The latest statement from the Borno commissioner continues to prove that the police must wake up and do their job. By now, I had expected that he would be facing interrogation after these inciting words. It’s such a shame concerning how we view politics in this part of the world,” said a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Jamil Audu.