NANS threatens protest against Atiku over Seyi Tinubu
4th May 2025.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have issued a stern warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding what they describe as coordinated political interference in student leadership. The Olushola Oladoja-led NANS, through a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, accused Atiku and activist Omoyele Sowore of fostering factionalism within the student body.
The statement highlighted concerns about individuals allegedly acting under Atiku's influence, sowing discord within NANS. The student organizations threatened to mobilize nationwide protests if this political meddling continues. This warning follows the emergence of a rival NANS President, Atiku Isah, who has made allegations against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, claiming he was offered N100 million to promote the President—a claim Isah asserts he declined.
NANS has countered these allegations, asserting that Isah is receiving funds to destabilize the association and falsely claim its presidency. They expressed awareness of secret meetings between Atiku and Isah aimed at infiltrating and undermining the student movement. The statement emphasized that NANS will not be an extension of any political party or individual and called on Atiku to rein in his associates or face being declared unwelcome on Nigerian campuses.
In support of this stance, NAPS President Eshiofune Paul-Oghayan denounced Isah’s claims as “fabricated and politically mischievous.” He characterized Seyi Tinubu as a vital link between Nigerian youth and the government, rejecting the notion that he is a political manipulator. Paul-Oghayan defended Seyi, stating that he has not interfered in student leadership and condemned the attempts to tarnish his reputation.
Additionally, the South-East Youth Stakeholders Council has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Isah to publicly apologize for what they termed “persistent blackmail and misinformation” against Seyi Tinubu. In a statement from their chairman, Eric Uwakwe, they criticized Isah’s claim to the NANS presidency and accused him of running a propaganda campaign against Seyi Tinubu’s potential 2027 gubernatorial ambitions.
Uwakwe emphasized that the ongoing actions of Isah and his coalition must cease, pledging full support for Seyi Tinubu and warning of possible action if their ultimatum is ignored. The council also expressed their willingness to support Seyi Tinubu's political aspirations should he choose to run for governor in 2027.