Nigeria: Amnesty Seeks Action Against Borno Commissioner Who Threatened Opposition

What the report says

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to investigate a viral video showing Borno State Youth and Sports Development Commissioner Sainna Buba allegedly threatening members of opposition parties. The comments were said to have been made at a campaign event linked to the Tinubu City Boy Movement in Borno State, according to the Daily Trust report distributed by AllAfrica.

The human rights group said the remarks were reckless and could fuel fear around political participation. In its statement, Amnesty argued that Nigerians have a constitutional right to choose their political affiliations without intimidation or punishment, and it warned that politicians should not use threats against opponents.

The report says Buba’s remarks drew criticism from many Nigerians, who saw them as an attempt to pressure the opposition and undermine democratic norms. Amnesty also framed the incident in the wider context of the run-up to the 2027 elections, saying public threats and intimidation could worsen tensions.

More broadly, election-related rhetoric in Nigeria often attracts scrutiny from rights groups and civil society, especially when officials appear to blur the line between campaigning and coercion. In this case, the call is for a thorough probe and for authorities and political actors to condemn any incitement to hostility or violence.