Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticised President Bola Tinubu following serious allegations of abduction and assault involving Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu. The controversy centers on Comrade Atiku Isah, a factional leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who claims he was brutalised and detained after rejecting a N100 million bribe from Seyi and Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande. Isah alleged that the incident happened in Lagos after a bribe meeting, stating that he was stripped and attacked by thugs. Seyi Tinubu has denied all claims, calling them fabrications aimed at damaging his image.
Presidential aide Sunday Asefon came to Seyi’s defence, asserting that Isah is politically sponsored by figures like former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to destabilise Tinubu’s government. Asefon further alleged that Isah resides with El-Rufai and has links with opposition leaders like Atiku, Sowore, and Sule Lamido. El-Rufai, however, demanded a thorough investigation into the claims, and Isah responded by denying the accusations, stating he hasn’t seen El-Rufai in nine years and only met Atiku and Sowore under separate, public circumstances. Isah maintained his support for Tinubu’s presidency while advocating for truth and accountability.
Atiku, through his media adviser, condemned what he described as intimidation tactics against Isah and warned against treating Nigeria as a family estate. He called for an independent investigation into the matter and encouraged Nigerians to stand against any form of oppression. Meanwhile, Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, describing them as part of a broader campaign against the Tinubu family. The group warned student unions not to allow themselves to be used as tools in political battles.
