Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, over allegations of coercion, violence, and intimidation.
The allegations were made by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Isah, who claimed to have been physically assaulted, abducted, and induced by Seyi Tinubu.
In a statement titled: “Tinubu Must Call His Family To Order: Nigeria Is Not A Private Estate,” issued on Friday, through his media Adviser Mr Paul Ibe, the former vice president described the allegations as “deeply alarming” and a threat to democratic norms and civil liberty.
Atiku, who contested the presidential seat with Tinubu in 2023, but lost emphasized that such grave accusations, if true, would be disturbing and dangerous, especially given the involvement of a member of the first family.
“The serious allegations made by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Isah alleging physical assault, abduction, and inducement at the hands of Seyi Tinubu are deeply alarming and strike at the core of democratic norms and civil liberty,” Atiku said.
Atiku further stated that it is unacceptable for the first family to seek to subjugate civil society groups through threats, bribes, or brute force.
He reminded that Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy handed down to one family, and that well-meaning Nigerians must rise to speak out against such actions.
“The actions of the President’s family — specifically their rabid drive to consolidate political power through manipulation and fear — must be condemned unequivocally. We must remind them that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance,” Atiku said.
Atiku also dismissed attempts to link him to Comrade Isah, saying that his meeting with the NANS president was centered on education reform and improving student welfare.
He emphasised that Comrade Isah’s advocacy and public stance must be evaluated based on fact, not fiction.
“The allegations of abuse he has made demand an independent investigation, especially since the very agencies meant to protect citizens appear complicit in his ordeal,” Atiku said, adding that “we issue a clear warning: nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to him will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”
Atiku reiterated his commitment to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and education as a cornerstone for national progress and development, and vowed not to be distracted by false narratives or intimidation.
“Nigerians deserve truth, accountability, and a leadership that respects the rule of law — not a regime that weaponises power to silence dissent,” Atiku concluded.
