Amnesty International has criticised security agencies for failing to hold Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, accountable over alleged threats against opposition supporters.

The organisation expressed concern that no action had been taken despite publicly available evidence of the commissioner’s remarks at an APC campaign rally in Maiduguri on Aug. 29.

Buba reportedly said that those who followed the government would enjoy “the honey”, while threatening that people who did not support the APC would be flogged.

Amnesty International described the remarks as a direct threat and said the commissioner must face justice for what it characterised as subtle incitement.

The organisation said security agencies’ failure to respond to the remarks was deeply concerning, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

It stressed that residents of Borno State must be free to make their political choices without intimidation or threats.

Amnesty said the right to personal liberty and participation in an open civic space must be protected in a democracy.

The organisation also said it would continue to investigate, document and preserve evidence of alleged incitement, threats and human rights abuses before, during and after the 2027 elections.

It called on relevant authorities to uphold the rights of citizens and ensure that political participation is not undermined by threats or intimidation.