The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has disputed claims made by former presidential candidate Peter Obi that students died during unrest at Auchi Polytechnic. The association accused Obi of spreading false information for political reasons.
In a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, NAPS President Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan said: “Let the truth echo across every town and campus in Nigeria: No student died. Few students sustained minor injuries from teargas exposure, but no hospitalisation was recorded. And most importantly, no life was lost.”
Obi, who ran for president under the Labour Party in 2023, had posted on Facebook and X that students were killed during election-related violence at Auchi. NAPS urged him to produce the names, faces, or families of the alleged victims, stating that failure to do so would make the claim “a deliberate fabrication, weaponised for political clout.”
“Obi’s failure to verify—a man who constantly urges Nigerians to verify—is not just hypocrisy, it is a philosophical betrayal,” NAPS said.
NAPS has demanded a public apology from Obi on the front pages of at least four national newspapers within 72 hours. They also threatened mass peaceful protests, picketing at Obi’s offices, and a global media campaign against misinformation, should he fail to comply.
Further demands include:
– A full investigation into the conduct of Civil Society Organisations at Auchi Polytechnic
– An audit of security arrangements during the Students’ Union Government election
– Disciplinary action against any negligent officers
-Justice for students injured by teargas
Auchi Polytechnic, located in Edo State, recently held its SUG election amid tensions that involved teargas deployment. However, no deaths were recorded. The institution has not officially commented on Obi’s allegations or the reaction from student bodies and youth groups.
As the exchange continues to escalate, both NAPS and Obi look set for a public showdown unless swiftly resolved.