Probe Borno commissioner for threatening voters, opposition supporters — Amnesty tells security forces

Amnesty International has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into a viral video allegedly showing the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, threatening political opponents and supporters of opposition parties.

The rights organisation said the commissioner’s alleged remarks that those who refused to support his political party would be “flogged” were unlawful and unacceptable in a democratic society.

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook account, Amnesty International said authorities must investigate the statement and ensure that those responsible for threats against political opponents do not enjoy impunity.

The organisation described the reported comments, allegedly made on August 29, 2026, as “reckless and irresponsible,” stressing that citizens should not be punished for their political choices.

“In democracy, people are not punished for their political choices.”

Amnesty said the alleged statement  violated the rights of Nigerians to freely choose and support political parties, noting that such rights are protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, the Electoral Act and international law.

The organisation also warned that political tensions were already rising ahead of the 2027 general elections, with threats and intimidation against opponents potentially creating a climate of fear.

“Election is not war and those who belong to or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy.”

Amnesty International urged political parties and politicians to publicly reject statements that promote hatred, discrimination, hostility or violence.

It called on Nigerian authorities to act decisively, saying any potential impunity must be addressed through a credible investigation into the alleged threat.

This comes less than two weeks after Amnesty International accused the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, of making similar remarks against opposition supporters in the area, allegedly telling them to vote for the APC or leave the community.

The council chairman, however, said his remarks were taken out of context.