Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address allegations of assault, abduction, and bribery made by the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Isah, against Seyi Tinubu.
In a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office and signed by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the serious allegations, describing them as “deeply alarming” and a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic principles and civil liberties.
“The serious accusations levelled by Comrade Atiku Isah, alleging physical assault, abduction, and bribery by Seyi Tinubu, are disturbing and dangerous,” the statement read.
“If the incident had ended fatally, it would have been counted among the many atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country,” it continued.
Atiku expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that even senior security officials may have been compromised or influenced during the alleged events, warning that such actions could undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
The former Vice President also rejected any claims that he was involved in the controversy, asserting that his recent meeting with Comrade Isah was focused solely on national development and education reform.
“The meeting was strictly about education reform and student welfare,” he explained, dismissing attempts to politicise the meeting as “baseless and malicious.”
Atiku called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, stressing that existing institutions may not be in a position to handle the matter impartially due to potential compromise.
“We issue a clear warning: nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to him will not go unnoticed or unchallenged,” the statement said.
Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and sustainable development through education, pledging to remain undistracted by what he termed “false narratives or cowardly intimidation.”
In response, Seyi Tinubu has denied all allegations, calling the claims “completely fabricated and defamatory.”
He took to Instagram to address the accusations made by Isah, stating: “Wow… how can someone lie with so much confidence? An attempt to defame my character. May God be with you, Comrade Atiku Isah.”
Seyi 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.”
Isah had alleged during a press briefing that he was offered ¦ 100 million by Seyi Tinubu and Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to promote President Tinubu’s image. He linked the offer to his abduction and assault on April 15 and claimed threats were made against his life, along with attempts to blackmail him using a video of the alleged assault.
In a counterstatement, Olusola Ladoja, the officially recognised NANS President, dismissed Isah’s allegations as unfounded and warned of legal action against anyone attempting to impersonate the legitimate NANS leadership.
“Olusola Ladoja remains the sole, legitimate, and globally recognised President of NANS,” he stated.
