Tale of Seyi Tinubu, NANS, and Isa Atiku Abubakar

Abuja-based governance advocate and policy analyst, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has dismissed allegations linking Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, to an alleged attack on a factional leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), calling the claims “fabricated lies.”

The allegations surfaced after Comrade Isa Atiku Abubakar, who claims to be a factional NANS president, posted images online alleging he had been attacked, kidnapped, and offered a bribe to step down — an incident he controversially linked to Seyi Tinubu.

“It’s quite laughable to see some of the things flying around online. They don’t make sense by any standard… This looks like a badly planned attempt to tarnish someone’s name,” Atoyebi said in a lengthy piece published on May 5.

Atoyebi emphasised Seyi Tinubu’s record of philanthropy and his apolitical public image, referencing his recent donation of ₦500 million to flood victims in Maiduguri.

“Despite being the son of the president, Seyi doesn’t fit the stereotype of someone who might use their position for personal gain.

“His focus has always been on meaningful contributions to Nigeria, especially the youth,” she wrote

In response to the claims, Seyi Tinubu himself denied knowing or ever meeting Isa Atiku and categorically rejected any connection to violence or bribery.

Atoyebi said the public can see through what she described as “a performance.”

“Seyi Tinubu has made his position known. He is not involved, and he will not be dragged into a matter that does not concern him. Let’s stay focused on the best interests of Nigerian students,” she added.

Atoyebi also addressed concerns about the legitimacy of the NANS leadership, noting that the transition was “properly conducted.”

According to her, the election process was public, conclusive, and witnessed by state governors, ministers, and other dignitaries.

She identified the newly sworn-in NANS President as Comrade Olushola Oladoja of the University of Jos, leading 18 other executives.

Atoyebi expressed concern that false narratives like Abubakar’s were undermining the association’s credibility.

“It is common for those who didn’t win to form their groups and challenge the results. But we must ask: is this another attempt to create chaos or push personal agendas?,” she said

She urged unity and progress among Nigerian students: “The youth are both the present and future of Nigeria. If we allow these distractions to continue, how can we focus on what truly matters?”