ABUJA, Nigeria — Atiku Abubakar Isah, the self-proclaimed president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has retracted his explosive allegations against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, describing his earlier claims as “untrue” and “misguided.”
In a letter of apology posted to his official Facebook page on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Atiku reversed his initial statements, admitting that the widely circulated video in which he accused Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, of attempting to bribe him with N100 million was based on falsehoods.
According to Atiku, the now-recanted claims were “fed” to him by his rival, Ladoja Olusola, whom he accused of manipulating him in a bid to take control of the NANS leadership “through the back doors.”
“It has become imperative to note that the offer of N100,000,000 which was alleged was made to me to support President Tinubu was clearly untrue,” Atiku wrote.
“It was also Ladoja Olusola, who warned me that Mr. Seyi Tinubu could order my killing and thereafter instruct the Inspector General of Police… to bury the matter.”
In his initial allegations, Atiku claimed that following his refusal to accept the bribe, he was abducted, stripped naked, beaten, and coerced into making a resignation statement aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
He now says those events were exaggerated and not orchestrated by Seyi Tinubu.
“I made these claims owing to the picture of Seyi Tinubu painted to me by Ladoja Olusola,” he wrote.
“In fact, I later found out that Mr. Seyi was nowhere near the venue.”
The dramatic turnaround comes after days of public backlash and intense scrutiny.
The apology has sparked further controversy within the student community and beyond.
In response, NANS Public Relations Officer, Samson Ajasa, questioned the credibility of Atiku’s new version of events, calling the apology “absurd.”
“How can you base your claims on advice allegedly received from the same Ladoja Olusola you formed a faction against?” Ajasa said in a phone interview.
“It’s clear he’s trying to save face after the original allegation failed to hold up.”
