Attempt by Tinubu’s family to control NANS, others using threats, violence, money is condemnable – Atiku

By KEMI KASUMU

Atiku said it is condemnable the alleged attempt by Tinubu’s family to intimidate and control NANS or any civil society organisation using threats, violence, or financial inducement.

In its role at ensure checks and balances in power operation in Nigeria, an opposition figure has reacted to continued accusing fingers pointing to son of sitting president in the country, Seyi Tinubu, especially in the alleged coercion, intimidation and disruptions leading to violent attacks on newly inaugurated President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah.

Specifically, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to get a grip on his family amidst those serious allegations against his son, Seyi, to influence the leadership of the NANS without despite that he is not one of those qualified to partake in affairs of the students’ body.

ALSO READ: Seyi Tinubu fingered in NANS inauguration venue attack

Alhaji Atiku, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, issued the caution in a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Friday April 2, 2025.

The warning followed a recent claim by President of NANS, Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, that Seyi Tinubu offered him a N100 million bribe in Lagos to support his father, President Bola Tinubu, publicly.

Isah said he declined the offer because he could not endorse a President who had failed to deliver on his campaign promises, adding that, consequent upon that, he was abducted by thugs, assaulted, stripped naked with pictures of his nudity allegedly taken and stored in Seyi Tinubu’s handset and others.

In a video clip, Isah said Seyi Tinubu even threatened to share the photos of nudity and that and nothing would happen. He said further that the president’s son, according to one Ladoja, would kill him and tell the inspector general of police to cover it up or else he (the IGP) would go.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF ISAH’S ALLEGATIONS

Responding to the allegations on Friday, Seyi Tinubu denied any involvement in the alleged attack or abduction, denying ever meeting Isah, whom he accused of fabricating the story to tarnish his reputation.

Seyi Tinubu had earlier reportedly threatened legal action and NANS officials, who claimed they saw him drive into the venue of the inauguration, gathered security agents present and threatened the manager of the hotel not to allow the event hold, say they are ready for his legal action.

In his reaction, Atiku said it is condemnable the alleged attempt by Tinubu’s family to intimidate and control NANS or any civil society organisation using threats, violence, or financial 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,” he stated.

“The serious allegations made by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Atiku Isah — alleging physical assault, abduction, and inducement at the hands of Seyi Tinubu — are deeply alarming and strike at the core of democratic norms and civil liberty. That such grave accusations are being levelled against a member of the first family is both disturbing and dangerous.

“Had this incident ended fatally, it would have been recorded among the growing list of atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country. That it is allegedly tied to the President’s own son makes it even more horrifying. What’s worse is the emerging suggestion that even top security officials are not beyond Seyi Tinubu’s overreaching influence — an unacceptable compromise of state institutions.

“It is intolerable that the first family would seek to subjugate the NANS — or any civil society group — through threats, bribes, or brute force. Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy handed down to one family.”

The former Vice President stressed that the NANS president’s advocacy and public position should be assessed based on facts, not falsehoods.

“Well-meaning Nigerians must rise to speak out. The actions of the President’s family — specifically their rabid drive to consolidate political power through manipulation and fear — must be condemned unequivocally. We must remind them that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance,” Atiku added.

“Attempts to drag former Vice President Atiku Abubakar into this scandal by alleging a political alliance with Comrade Isah are baseless, malicious, and desperate. Atiku Abubakar’s meeting with Isah was centred solely on education reform and improving student welfare, which also includes institutions he founded, like the American University of Nigeria and AUN Academy.

“Comrade Isah’s advocacy and public stance must be evaluated based on fact, not fiction. The allegations of abuse he has made demand an independent investigation, especially since the very agencies meant to protect citizens appear complicit in his ordeal.

“We issue a clear warning: nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to him will not go unnoticed or unchallenged. Nigerians deserve truth, accountability, and a leadership that respects the rule of law — not a regime that weaponises power to silence dissent.”