Seyi Tinubu : NANS threatens anti-Atiku’s protest

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have issued a warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of orchestrating political interference in student leadership affairs.

In a statement released by the Olushola Oladoja-led NANS and signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, the student body alleged that Atiku and activist Omoyele Sowore were backing factions within NANS to create division.

“It has come to our attention that certain elements, acting under the influence and sponsorship of former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Mr Omoyele Sowore, are actively involved in sowing seeds of discord within NANS,” the statement read.

The associations warned that they would mobilize protests nationwide if what they described as external interference persists.

The development comes in the wake of a new NANS faction led by Atiku Isah, who has accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of assault and abduction. Isah claimed that Seyi had offered him N100 million to endorse the President, an offer he said he refused.

In response, NANS accused Isah of being financially induced to disrupt the association and illegitimately claim its leadership.

“We are aware of recent clandestine meetings between Atiku and his cousin, Isah, aimed at infiltrating and destabilising the student movement.”

“Let it be known that NANS is not and will never be an appendage of any political party or personality,” the statement further noted.

In a related statement issued in Kaduna on Friday, NAPS President Eshiofune Paul-Oghayan dismissed Isah’s allegations as “fabricated and politically mischievous.”

He defended Seyi Tinubu, describing him as “a strategic bridge between Nigerian youths and the state,” rejecting claims of political interference.

“Seyi Tinubu has not interfered in student leadership nor directed anyone to act on his behalf. This coordinated attempt to malign his character is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to stand,” Paul-Oghayan stated.