Atiku Accuses Seyi Tinubu of Intimidation, Urges President Tinubu to Caution Family

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in his family, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, over allegations of assault, abduction, and inducement involving the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Isah.

Atiku made the call in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, describing the allegations against Seyi Tinubu as “deeply alarming” and a direct attack on democratic values and civil liberties.

“The serious allegations made by Isah, alleging physical assault, abduction, and inducement at the hands of Seyi Tinubu, are deeply alarming and strike at the core of democratic norms and civil liberty,” the statement read.

The former Vice President warned that the conduct attributed to Seyi Tinubu reflects a disturbing abuse of influence and a dangerous precedent for state power.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, who appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary, including coercion, violence, and intimidation,” Atiku stated.

He further expressed concern over suggestions that top security officials may be compromised under Seyi Tinubu’s alleged influence, describing it as an “unacceptable compromise of state institutions.”

Atiku accused the President’s family of attempting to subjugate NANS and other civil society groups through threats, bribery, or brute force.

“Well-meaning Nigerians must rise to speak out,” he urged. “We must remind them that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance.”

He also distanced himself from suggestions that linked him politically to NANS President Isah, dismissing such claims as “baseless, malicious, and desperate.”

The allegations by Atiku Isah, if confirmed, would mark a significant controversy involving the presidency and student leadership, with potential implications for the administration’s commitment to civil liberties and democratic engagement.