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Atiku to Tinubu: Rein in Your Son, Nigeria Is Not a Private Estate
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to curb the actions of his son, Seyi Tinubu, following allegations of bribery, assault, and abduction involving the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a Friday statement through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku criticized the First Family for allegedly attempting to manipulate student leadership and silence dissent through force and financial inducements.
NANS Leader Alleges Bribe, Assault by Seyi Tinubu
Comrade Atiku Isah, a factional president of NANS, had earlier accused Seyi Tinubu of offering him N100 million to publicly endorse President Tinubu. Isah claimed he rejected the offer and was subsequently abducted, assaulted, and stripped by armed men on April 15 in Lagos.
Seyi Tinubu has denied all allegations, stating he had never met Isah and accusing him of fabricating the incident to damage his image.
Atiku Abubakar responded by condemning the alleged acts as “deeply alarming” and a serious violation of democratic principles and civil liberties.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, who appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary — including coercion, violence, and intimidation,” Atiku said.
“Nigeria Is Not a Monarchy” – Atiku Warns
Atiku further stated that any attempt to subdue independent student bodies like NANS is unacceptable. He emphasized that Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy for one family’s control.
“The serious allegations of assault, abduction, and bribery against Seyi Tinubu are both disturbing and dangerous. If the incident had turned fatal, it would’ve joined the rising list of atrocities in the country — made worse by the alleged involvement of the President’s own son,” the statement read.
Opposition Leader Calls for Independent Investigation
Atiku called for an impartial probe into the allegations and warned that any harm to Comrade Isah would not go unnoticed or unchallenged.
He also dismissed claims of political collusion between himself and the student leader, saying their discussions focused solely on education reforms, particularly around institutions like the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which he founded.
“The actions of the President’s family — specifically their rabid drive to consolidate power through manipulation and fear — must be condemned unequivocally. Nigeria deserves a leadership that respects the rule of law, not one that uses power as a weapon,” he said.
Human Rights Groups Demand Accountability
The controversy has triggered responses from rights organizations and political analysts, who are calling for transparency, accountability, and protection for student activists across the country.
