The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have issued a strong warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The students said he must stop what they called political interference in student leadership or face mass protests across Nigerian campuses.
In a press release signed by the NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, the students accused Atiku and activist Omoyele Sowore of sponsoring division within the association. “It has come to our attention that certain elements, acting under the influence and sponsorship of former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Mr Omoyele Sowore, are actively involved in sowing seeds of discord within NANS,” the statement read.
The group called on Atiku to withdraw his alleged support for those destabilising the student body or risk being declared unwelcome in universities nationwide.
NANS Reacts to Claims Made by Factional Leader Atiku Isah
The statement comes after Atiku Isah, who claims to be a factional NANS President, alleged that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, tried to bribe him with N100 million. According to Isah, Seyi wanted him to publicly support the President, but he declined the offer.
NANS, however, denied the allegation and accused Isah of being sponsored to destabilise the association. They insisted Isah was never elected and had no right to speak for Nigerian students. The association called the claim of bribery “a well-funded plot to smear Seyi Tinubu’s image and cause confusion in the student movement.”
They also called on Atiku to “call his associates to order or risk being declared persona non grata across Nigerian campuses.”
Youth Stakeholders Demand Apology from Atiku Isah Over False Allegations
Meanwhile, the South-East Youth Stakeholders Council has given Atiku Isah 48 hours to apologise for what they called “persistent blackmail and misinformation” against Seyi Tinubu. In a statement signed by its chairman, Eric Uwakwe, the group said Isah’s allegations were false and politically motivated.
Uwakwe claimed the campaign was designed to damage Seyi Tinubu’s chances of contesting the Lagos State governorship in 2027. “This dance of shame by Atiku Isah and his politically displaced coalition must end,” he said.
He added that if Isah failed to apologise, the group would take action. He also promised that the South-East Youth Stakeholders Council would buy Seyi Tinubu’s nomination form if he chooses to run for governor.
The President of NAPS, Eshiofune Paul-Oghayan, also spoke on the matter. He said Isah’s claims were “fabricated and politically mischievous.” Paul-Oghayan described Seyi Tinubu as “a strategic bridge between Nigerian youths and the state,” and not a political manipulator.
“Seyi Tinubu has not interfered in student leadership nor directed anyone to act on his behalf. This coordinated attempt to malign his character is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to stand,” he said.
NANS Demands End to Political Interference
Both NANS and NAPS are standing their ground. They have warned politicians to stay away from student affairs. The associations have vowed to protect the integrity of student leadership in Nigeria and will take action if the alleged political involvement continues. The controversy continues to draw attention as 2027 political ambitions begin to surface, and the students say they will not be used as tools for political manipulation.
