Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough and effective investigation into a viral video in which the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, allegedly threatened political opponents and supporters of opposition parties.
In a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Sunday evening, the human rights organisation described as unlawful and reckless an alleged remark attributed to Buba that those who refused to “obey them” by voting for their political party would be “flogged.”
Amnesty International stressed that citizens must not be punished for their political choices in a democratic society, noting that Nigerians have the constitutional right to support and vote for political parties of their choice.
The organisation accused the commissioner of allegedly “flagrantly violating the law” by threatening political opponents with punishment for refusing to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Amnesty International, the alleged remarks, which were said to have been made on Friday, August 29, 2026, were “reckless and irresponsible,” warning that authorities must act to prevent impunity by ensuring a proper investigation into the incident.
“Election is not war and those who belong or choose to vote for an opposition political party are not the enemy,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation added that citizens’ rights to freely make political choices are protected under Nigeria’s Constitution, the Electoral Act and international law.
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Amnesty International further warned that inflammatory statements by politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections could contribute to an atmosphere of fear, intimidation and political violence.
It called on political parties and politicians to publicly condemn any advocacy of hatred or incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
The rights group urged Nigerian authorities to take decisive action to ensure accountability and protect citizens from threats and intimidation over their political choices.
