Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has apologised and withdrawn comments in which he threatened to “flog” members of the opposition who refused to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Buba’s remarks sparked criticism after he was quoted as saying that opposition members who failed to support the APC would be subjected to flogging.
The commissioner has now expressed regret over the comments, saying he retracts the statement and apologises to those who may have been offended by it.
He did not provide further details on what prompted the original remarks or the circumstances surrounding the apology.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in the state, with political parties and their supporters increasingly mobilising ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC controls the Borno State government, while opposition parties continue to seek greater political support across the state.
Mr Buba’s retraction is expected to ease concerns raised by the comments, particularly over the language used against political opponents in a period of increasing political competition.
