Atiku’s camp blasts Seyi Tinubu over NANS assault allegation

The media office of the former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing statement calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in his son, Seyi Tinubu, following serious allegations of assault, intimidation, and attempted bribery levelled against him by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah.

In the strongly worded press release signed by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, on Friday, May 2, 2025, the former Vice President condemned what he described as the “rabid drive” by members of the first family to consolidate political loyalty through coercion and fear.

“These allegations — involving physical assault, abduction, and attempted inducement — strike at the core of civil liberty and democratic principles,” the statement reads. “That such grave accusations are being levelled against the President’s son is both disturbing and dangerous.”

Comrade Isah had earlier accused Seyi Tinubu of orchestrating an attack on students during a NANS event in Abuja, allegedly using thugs wielding dangerous weapons to disrupt the gathering. According to the student leader, the violence was politically motivated and aimed at silencing him after he reportedly rejected a bribe.

Reacting to the claims, Seyi Tinubu denied ever meeting or engaging with Isah, dismissing the accusations as completely false and defamatory. However, the Atiku Media Office insists that the matter deserves serious attention and must not be brushed aside.

“Had this incident ended fatally, it would have joined the growing list of atrocities by criminal elements — but to have the President’s son allegedly involved is horrifying. It is even more alarming to hear whispers that Seyi Tinubu may have undue influence over security agencies,” the statement warned.

The former Vice President’s camp also decried attempts to link him to the controversy, describing such suggestions as “baseless, malicious, and desperate.” Atiku’s meeting with Comrade Isah, the release clarified, was solely focused on education reform and student welfare — an area in which he has longstanding investments, including institutions like the American University of Nigeria.

They further demanded an independent investigation into the allegations and warned against any harm coming to the NANS leader.

“We issue a clear warning: nothing must happen to this young man. Nigerians deserve leadership that respects the rule of law, not one that weaponizes power to suppress dissent,” the statement added.

Atiku Abubakar, the statement concluded, remains committed to democratic values and will not be cowed by intimidation or false narratives.