2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to restrain his family members following serious allegations against his son, Seyi Tinubu.
In a statement released on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned what he described as an attempt by the President’s son to influence the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) through bribery and intimidation.
Titled “Tinubu Must Call His Family To Order: Nigeria Is Not A Private Estate”, the statement follows accusations from NANS factional president, Comrade Atiku Isah, who claimed that Seyi Tinubu offered him N100 million in Lagos to publicly endorse President Tinubu. Isah said he rejected the offer and was later assaulted, stripped, and abducted by thugs on April 15.
Seyi Tinubu has denied all involvement, asserting he has never met Isah and accusing him of fabricating the story to smear his reputation.
Atiku, however, described the allegations as “deeply alarming” and warned that Nigeria must not be treated like a family-owned estate. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi, who appears intent on buying political loyalty through coercion, violence, and inducement,” the statement said.
He added that the claim implicating top security officials in shielding Seyi Tinubu is a dangerous sign of state capture.
“It is intolerable for the First Family to attempt to subjugate NANS or any civil society organization using threats, bribes, or brute force,” Atiku stated. “Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy.”
He also rejected suggestions of any political alliance with Comrade Isah, clarifying that their meeting focused solely on educational reform and student welfare, particularly involving institutions Atiku has founded, like the American University of Nigeria.
Calling for an independent investigation, Atiku warned: “Nothing must happen to this young man. Nigerians deserve truth, accountability, and a government that respects the rule of law — not one that uses power to silence dissent.”
Na so