Amnesty International has called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, over an alleged threat to flog supporters of opposition political parties.
The human rights organisation made the demand yesterday following the circulation of a viral video in which the commissioner was allegedly heard threatening political opponents and supporters of rival parties.
Amnesty described the reported remarks, allegedly made on August 29, 2026, as “reckless and irresponsible,” insisting that no Nigerian should be punished or threatened because of his or her political choice.
In a statement posted on its verified Facebook account, the organisation called on the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the alleged comments and ensure that anyone found responsible for threats against political opponents is held accountable.
The rights group specifically condemned the alleged statement that persons who refused to support the commissioner’s political party would be “flogged”, describing such a position as unlawful and unacceptable in a democratic society.
“In democracy, people are not punished for their political choices,” Amnesty said.
The organisation noted that Nigerians have a constitutional and legal right to freely choose and support political parties, adding that the right is also protected under international law.
Amnesty warned that such alleged threats could further heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among voters.
“Election is not war and those who belong to or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy,” it said.
The organisation urged political parties and their leaders to publicly distance themselves from statements capable of promoting hatred, discrimination, hostility or violence.
It also called on the Nigerian authorities to act decisively and prevent political actors from enjoying impunity over alleged threats against opponents.
The development comes less than two weeks after Amnesty International accused the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, of allegedly threatening opposition supporters in the Federal Capital Territory and telling them to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the community.
Shekwolo later apologised and said his comments had been taken out of context.
Amnesty, however, maintained that political differences should be settled through democratic processes and not through threats, intimidation or violence.
