Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in his son, Seyi Tinubu, over allegations of bribery and intimidation involving the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a statement on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned what he described as disturbing attempts by the President’s son to interfere in student union affairs. This follows claims by a factional NANS president, Comrade Atiku Isah, that Seyi Tinubu offered him N100 million to endorse President Tinubu — an offer he said he rejected.
Isah alleged that after refusing the bribe, he was abducted and assaulted by unknown thugs on April 15 in Lagos. He claimed the incident was linked to his refusal to publicly support the President.
Seyi Tinubu has since denied the accusations, insisting he has never met Isah and calling the claims fabricated.
Atiku, however, expressed serious concern over the allegations, describing them as a threat to democracy. He warned against using intimidation, violence, or financial inducements to suppress dissent and civil society.
“Nigeria is not a private estate,” Atiku stated. “President Tinubu must call his family to order before more harm is done to our democracy.”
He further rejected any suggestion of political ties with Comrade Isah, saying their past meeting focused on student welfare and had no political undertone.
Atiku demanded an independent investigation into the matter and warned that any harm to the student leader would have serious consequences.
“Nigerians deserve accountability, not a regime that uses fear to control citizens,” he concluded.
