- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to manage his family members amid allegations against his son, Seyi Tinubu, and the National Association of Nigerian Students.
- Atiku warns Nigeria should not be treated as personal property, stating the presidency is a public trust, not a family inheritance.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action and restrain his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, following serious allegations involving the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a statement released on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed concern over claims made by Comrade Atiku Isah, a factional NANS president, who alleged that Seyi Tinubu offered him a ₦100 million bribe in Lagos in exchange for public support for the Tinubu administration. Isah further alleged that after refusing the offer, he was later abducted, assaulted, and stripped by unidentified attackers on April 15.
Seyi Tinubu has since denied the allegations, asserting he had never met Isah and dismissing the claims as baseless attempts to tarnish his image.
Reacting to the development, Atiku described the situation as alarming and warned against any effort by members of the First Family to exert undue influence on civil society groups through intimidation or monetary inducement.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, who appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary — including coercion, violence, and intimidation,” the statement read.
“The serious allegations made by Comrade Atiku Isah — alleging physical assault, abduction, and inducement at the hands of Seyi Tinubu — strike at the heart of democratic norms and civil liberty. That these accusations are directed at a member of the First Family is both disturbing and dangerous.”
He noted that the allegations of bribery, assault, and abduction strike at the core of democracy and civil liberties, especially considering that a member of the President’s family is being implicated.
Atiku also raised concerns about possible complicity from security agencies and emphasized that Nigeria is a republic, not a dynasty.
“The actions of the President’s family — specifically their rabid drive to consolidate political power through manipulation and fear — must be condemned unequivocally. The presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance,” Atiku said.
In response to speculations about his association with Comrade Isah, Atiku clarified that their only interaction centered on student welfare and educational policy—issues he has consistently advocated for.
He concluded by calling for an impartial investigation into the matter and urged Nigerians to stand against any abuse of power.
“Nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to him will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.” Atiku warned.
