The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have warned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore to stop interfering in student leadership, accusing them of sponsoring division within NANS.
In a statement signed by NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, the group alleged that Atiku and Sowore are backing a faction led by Atiku Isah, who recently claimed to be NANS President.
“It has come to our attention that certain elements, acting under the influence and sponsorship of former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Mr Omoyele Sowore, are actively involved in sowing seeds of discord within NANS,” the statement said.
NANS also claimed that Isah received money to create confusion and falsely declare himself president. They warned that if the interference continues, they will organize protests across the country.
NANS said, “We are aware of recent clandestine meetings between Atiku and his cousin, Isah, aimed at infiltrating and destabilising the student movement. Let it be known that NANS is not and will never be an appendage of any political party or personality.”
They also asked Atiku to control his supporters or face being declared persona non grata on all Nigerian campuses.
The tension follows Isah’s recent accusation that President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, offered him N100 million to support the President—an offer he claimed to have rejected. Isah also accused Seyi of abduction and assault.
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NAPS President, Eshiofune Paul-Oghayan, dismissed the allegations, calling them “fabricated and politically mischievous.”
Paul-Oghayan said, “Seyi Tinubu has not interfered in student leadership nor directed anyone to act on his behalf. This coordinated attempt to malign his character is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to stand.”
In a related development, the South-East Youth Stakeholders Council gave Isah a 48-hour ultimatum to apologize for his “persistent blackmail and misinformation” against Seyi Tinubu.
Council chairman Eric Uwakwe criticized Isah’s claim to the NANS presidency and accused him of trying to damage Seyi’s image ahead of a possible 2027 Lagos State governorship run.
“This dance of shame by Atiku Isah and his politically displaced coalition must end,” Uwakwe said.
He pledged support for Seyi Tinubu and promised to buy his nomination form if he decides to contest in 2027.