Nigeria: Borno Commissioner Threatens to Cut Off Fingers of Those Who Vote Against APC

What the report says

Daily Trust, republished by AllAfrica, reports that Sainna Buba, Borno State commissioner for youth and sports development, drew criticism after making threatening remarks at a political event in Abuja linked to the Tinubu City Boy Movement. The gathering was described as a campaign inauguration for supporters of President Bola Tinubu and his expected 2027 re-election bid.

According to the report, Buba used violent language toward political opponents and suggested that people who do not support the ruling All Progressives Congress could face retaliation. He also appeared to say government benefits would be reserved for supporters, raising concern that public resources could be used to reward loyalty and punish dissent.

The comments prompted questions about political tolerance and democratic norms in Borno State, especially as parties and support groups begin positioning for the 2027 elections. The article says Buba had not clarified whether his remarks were meant literally or as political rhetoric, and that the Borno State Government had not responded at the time of publication.

More broadly, the episode highlights the sensitivity of election-related messaging in Nigeria, where public officials’ statements can quickly become a test of how state institutions handle political speech and opposition activity. AllAfrica’s publication does not add independent reporting beyond the cited Daily Trust account.