ABUJA, Nigeria – Atiku Abubakar Isah, the newly inaugurated President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has accused Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, of attempting to bribe him with ₦100 million and subsequently orchestrating a violent attack when the bribe was refused.
Isah made the explosive allegations during a press conference held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Abuja, following his controversial inauguration which was marred by disruption from alleged thugs.
According to Isah, he was invited to Lagos where he met with Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
During that meeting, he claimed he was offered ₦100 million to align NANS with the interests of the Tinubu administration.
“The Minister for Youth, when he saw me, hugged me in Lagos. We talked, and I was to be offered ₦100 million,” Isah said.
“But the thing is, it’s not all about money. There are things which I stand for.”
He explained that he rejected the offer on the grounds that NANS should maintain independence from political influence.
“You cannot ask me to begin to promote a president who has not done something for me to say he has done it. If he does something good, I will promote him. We will support him as the president and commander-in-chief. But where he is, you cannot say I should keep quiet,” he said.
Following his refusal, Isah claimed he was abducted on April 15 and forced to resign his position under duress.
“I was abducted on the 15th of April. I was stripped naked, beaten seriously in collaboration with the MD of NTA. The MD of NTA was our package to make an involuntary statement that I have renounced my position as NANS president,” he said.
He added that the abductors filmed the incident and threatened to release the footage if he refused to cooperate.
“They claimed they would share the video. They told me that nothing would happen if they shared the video, and even if they killed me, Seyi Tinubu would order a cover-up,” Isah alleged.
“Ladoja, who was involved, said he would instruct the Inspector General of Police to cover it up.”
Despite the threats and alleged intimidation, Isah said he proceeded with his inauguration as NANS president and intends to remain undeterred in performing his duties.
“I made it clear that even if I am shot, I will still come to this hall. The inauguration proceeded, and I was announced as president,” he stated.
“Seyi Tinubu can do anything he wants, but we are determined.”
As of the time of reporting, there has been no public response from Seyi Tinubu, the Ministry of Youth Development, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), or the presidency regarding the allegations.
The Nigerian Police Force has also not issued any statement confirming or denying the alleged abduction or assault.
