The leadership crisis rocking the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) took a fresh turn on Friday as Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, denied allegations of involvement in the association’s internal conflict.
Seyi, in a post shared via his Instagram handle, dismissed claims made by Atiku Isah—who identifies himself as NANS President—calling them false and defamatory.
“Wow… how can someone lie with so much confidence? An attempt to defame my character. May God be with you, Comrade Atiku Isah,” he wrote.
He further stated, “I have never held a meeting to discuss any subject matter with Comrade Isah in Lagos or anywhere else in the world. I have never knowingly met him before. Neither did I visit any location with thugs. All these allegations made by Atiku Isah are completely fictional.”
Isah’s Allegations
Isah had earlier alleged during a press briefing on Wednesday that Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, offered him a ₦100 million bribe in Lagos to promote the image of the President. He claimed to have rejected the offer, citing poor performance by the current administration.
He also alleged that he was abducted on April 15, beaten, and stripped naked by persons he claimed were linked to Tinubu. “They said even if they kill me, Seyi Tinubu will cover it up,” Isah said, insisting his life is in danger.
NANS Presidency Dispute
Reacting to the drama, Olusola Ladoja, who is officially recognised as the legitimate President of NANS, dismissed Atiku Isah’s claims as false and misleading.
“It is important to state clearly that Olusola Ladoja remains the only recognised and democratically elected President of NANS,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, warning that impersonation would be met with legal action.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ladoja distanced Seyi Tinubu from the leadership tussle. “Seyi Tinubu is not part of NANS and is not even my friend. People are dragging his name needlessly,” he said.
Concerns Over Political Influence
Former Senate President of NANS, Henry Okunomo, has also raised alarm over the increasing political interference in the student body.
“Everyone is now aligning with one political party or another. The association is losing its original purpose,” he said.
As the controversy continues, calls for reforms and depoliticisation of the student body are growing louder.
