Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through a press release issued by his Media Office on May 2, 2025, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently restrain his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, who is allegedly engaging in coercive, violent, and intimidating tactics to secure political loyalty for his father.
The statement responds to grave allegations made by Comrade Atiku Isah, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who claims he was physically assaulted, abducted, and offered inducements by Seyi Tinubu in an attempt to manipulate his loyalty.
These accusations, described as deeply alarming, strike at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic principles and civil liberties. Atiku expressed profound concern that such serious claims involve a member of the first family, noting that the incident could have been fatal and added to the rising tally of atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country. The alleged involvement of the President’s son makes the situation particularly disturbing. Even more troubling is the suggestion that top security officials may be complicit in enabling Seyi Tinubu’s actions, representing an unacceptable compromise of Nigeria’s state institutions.
Atiku condemned the first family’s apparent efforts to subjugate civil society organizations, including NANS, through threats, bribes, or brute force. He emphasized that Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy or private estate to be controlled by a single family. The statement urged all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against the Tinubu family’s aggressive pursuit of political consolidation through manipulation and fear, reminding the public that the presidency is a public trust, not a hereditary entitlement.
The press release also addressed attempts to link Atiku Abubakar to the scandal by alleging a political alliance with Comrade Isah, dismissing such claims as baseless, malicious, and desperate. Atiku clarified that his meeting with Isah was solely focused on education reform and improving student welfare, including discussions related to institutions he founded, such as the American University of Nigeria and AUN Academy. He stressed that Isah’s advocacy and public positions should be judged on their merits, not distorted by fabricated narratives.
Atiku called for an independent investigation into Isah’s allegations, particularly given the apparent complicity of state agencies meant to protect citizens. He issued a stern warning that any harm to Isah would not go unnoticed or unchallenged, underscoring that Nigerians deserve truth, accountability, and leadership that upholds the rule of law rather than weaponizing power to suppress dissent.
Reaffirming his commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and education as a cornerstone of national progress, Atiku vowed not to be distracted by false narratives or intimidation tactics. He urged Nigerians to demand a government that respects democratic principles and rejects the abuse of power, emphasizing that the actions of the Tinubu family must be unequivocally condemned.
