The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, issued a controversial warning threatening punishment for individuals who do not support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections. His remarks were made during an inauguration event for the Tinubu City Boy Movement, a group endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election. Buba asserted that those aligning with their party would reap significant benefits from the government, contrasting this with his threat of “flogging” non-supporters. He framed this as a mix of persuasion and force in political engagement, claiming that any negative discourse against them would be met with similar backlash.

In a related development, Samuel Shekwolo, the chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, similarly cautioned residents against opposing the APC, urging those dissenting to vacate the area ahead of the elections. He cited the supposed developmental efforts of President Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, as reasons for his stance. Shekwolo implied that lack of support for the APC would lead to reduced access to governmental benefits.

Additionally, Senator Francis Fadahunsi from Osun East faced backlash for comments allegedly suggesting violence against members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 2026 governorship election. Although he later claimed that his words were misunderstood and he intended to convey that the APC would win through votes rather than violent means, the incident has raised alarms regarding the volatile nature of political rhetoric in Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach. This ongoing discourse underscores concerns that such inflammatory statements from political leaders could escalate tensions and hinder the democratic process, affecting voters’ freedom to choose their political affiliations.