- The move is reportedly aimed at building a student mobilisation structure to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has been accused of orchestrating a factional crisis within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and allegedly deploying armed thugs to disrupt the association’s convention in Abuja.
According to sources cited by SaharaReporters on Thursday, Seyi Tinubu influenced the emergence of Comrade Olushola Oladoja from Oyo State as the factional national president of NANS. The move is reportedly aimed at building a student mobilisation structure to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“Because of his interests in securing a playing ground for his father ahead of 2027, Seyi factionalised the association so that his preferred candidate can mobilise students for him during the general election,” a source alleged.
The convention, scheduled to take place at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, descended into chaos when suspected thugs, allegedly led by Oladoja, stormed the venue and attacked delegates. One of the victims was identified as presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar Isah.
Despite the presence of the Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and other security operatives, witnesses claimed there was no intervention when the violence erupted.
“They are beating people now at the venue led by Ladoja. They came with guns, shooting, and the DSS personnel were just watching,” a witness said.
“Delegates are running for safety as the attackers have unleashed violence. I’m hiding and my life is in danger,” another source added.
The crisis is rooted in a purported violation of NANS’ constitutional provisions. The North Central region (Zone C) was reportedly designated to produce the next president of the student body. However, Seyi Tinubu allegedly imposed a candidate from Oyo State in the South West, bypassing the proper rotational procedure.
“Seyi said that’s the only person he can trust to mobilise Nigerian students for President Tinubu,” a source explained. “We now call this the ‘Seyi Tinubu Students Association’ rather than NANS, which is supposed to conduct a free and fair election to elect its rightful leader.”
POPULAR TODAY
Discussion about this post