Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in his family members, following serious allegations involving his son, Seyi Tinubu, and the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
In a statement issued on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku warned that Nigeria must not be treated as personal property, stressing that the presidency is a public trust, not a family inheritance. The statement was titled: “Tinubu Must Call His Family To Order: Nigeria Is Not A Private Estate.”
The call came after Comrade Atiku Isah, a factional president of NANS, alleged that Seyi Tinubu attempted to bribe him with N100 million in Lagos to publicly support the president. Isah claimed he rejected the offer, citing the administration’s failure to deliver on its campaign promises. He also alleged that he was later assaulted, stripped, and abducted by unknown thugs on April 15.
Seyi Tinubu has denied the accusations, saying he has never met Isah and dismissed the claims as fabrications aimed at damaging his reputation.
Reacting to the development, Atiku described the allegations as “deeply alarming” and condemned any attempts by the First Family to manipulate or control civil society groups like NANS through coercion or financial inducement.
“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,” the statement read.
“The serious allegations made by Comrade Atiku Isah — alleging physical assault, abduction, and inducement at the hands of Seyi Tinubu — strike at the heart of democratic norms and civil liberty. That these accusations are directed at a member of the First Family is both disturbing and dangerous.”
Atiku warned that the implications of such behavior are severe, especially with indications that security agencies may have been complicit or influenced.
“It is intolerable that the First Family would seek to subjugate NANS or any civil society organisation through threats, bribes, or brute force. Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy handed down to one family,” he stated.
He also rejected attempts to link him politically to Isah, clarifying that their meeting was focused solely on education reform and student welfare, areas of concern he has long championed.
“The actions of the President’s family — specifically their rabid drive to consolidate political power through manipulation and fear — must be condemned unequivocally. The presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance,” Atiku said.
He called for an independent investigation into the allegations and issued a stern warning: “Nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to him will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”
Atiku concluded by urging Nigerians to speak up against the abuse of power and demand accountability from those in leadership.
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Nigeria is never a private Estate. So much for this government