Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to rein in his son, Seyi Tinubu, following grave allegations of assault, abduction, and bribery made by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, Comrade Atiku Isah.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the accusations as deeply troubling and an affront to democratic principles and civil liberties.
“The allegations made by Comrade Atiku Isah — detailing physical assault, attempted inducement, and abduction — allegedly carried out by the President’s son, strike at the very heart of democratic freedoms,” the former Vice President said.
He added, “It is disturbing enough that such acts are being linked to a member of the first family. But the suggestion that security operatives may have been complicit in this abuse of power is even more alarming.”
Atiku, who ran for president under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, accused Seyi Tinubu of attempting to forcibly purchase loyalty on behalf of his father, using methods rooted in intimidation and fear.
“The actions attributed to Seyi Tinubu are reminiscent of dictatorship — coercion, violence, and silencing of dissent,” Atiku stated. “If this had resulted in death, it would have added to the growing list of atrocities perpetrated with impunity in Nigeria.”
He cautioned that the first family must not attempt to dominate or subjugate civil society groups like NANS through “threats, bribery, or brute force,” emphasizing, “Nigeria is not a monarchy. The presidency is a public office, not a hereditary throne.”
Atiku also denounced attempts to link him to the controversy, describing the claim of political collusion between him and the NANS president as “baseless, desperate, and malicious.”
According to Paul Ibe, Atiku’s meeting with Comrade Isah revolved strictly around matters of educational reform and student welfare, which includes institutions established by Atiku himself, such as the American University of Nigeria (AUN) and AUN Academy.
“Comrade Isah’s positions should be judged based on the substance of his claims, not political innuendo. The accusations he has raised deserve a thorough, independent investigation,” Ibe said.
He further warned that “nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to Comrade Isah will be met with public outcry and serious consequences.”
The statement reaffirmed Atiku’s unwavering belief in democratic governance, institutional accountability, and education as a foundation for national growth.
“He will not be cowed by propaganda or attempts to tarnish his name. Atiku remains committed to truth, justice, and the preservation of democratic ideals,” the statement concluded.
