Abuja, Nigeria – May 3, 2025 — Controversy is brewing over allegations that Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, orchestrated an attack on the inauguration ceremony of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president on April 30, 2025. The claims, however, have been vehemently denied by Seyi Tinubu, sparking a national debate and shedding light on deepening political interference in student union affairs.
The newly elected NANS president, Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, alleged that Seyi Tinubu led armed thugs into The Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja during the inauguration, resulting in violence, injuries, and theft. Isah claimed that the attack followed his refusal to accept a ₦100 million bribe allegedly offered to sway his leadership. He further accused Seyi Tinubu of ordering an assassination attempt on his life.
“These men were armed with cutlasses and guns. They attacked everyone, including former governors like Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and Captain Idris Wada,” Isah told SaharaReporters. “After rejecting the bribe, Seyi ordered that I be assassinated.”
Seyi Tinubu: “Fake News and Defamation”
In a swift rebuttal, Seyi Tinubu took to Instagram to deny all allegations, labeling them “fake news” and defamatory. “I have never met this man [Isah], never visited the venue, and never led any group to disrupt any event,” he wrote on April 29.
Multiple news outlets, including Leadership NG and Naija News, cited sources close to the incident stating there was no evidence of Seyi’s presence, no security breach, and no incident reports filed by law enforcement or the hotel’s management.
Conflicting Accounts and Political Undertones
The situation is further complicated by internal rifts within NANS, which is currently fractured by factional disputes. Some claim that Seyi Tinubu is backing a rival faction led by Olusola Oladoja, who also held an inauguration ceremony on the same day and named the new NANS secretariat after President Bola Tinubu.
Former NANS Senate President Henry Okunomo, speaking on Channels TV, accused Seyi of persistently interfering in NANS affairs. “He didn’t even school in Nigeria,” Okunomo said, questioning the younger Tinubu’s motivation and warning of increasing politicization of the student body.
Meanwhile, conflicting statements have emerged from within NANS itself. One faction accused Isah of booking the hotel under false pretenses, with confirmation allegedly provided by hotel management. Another faction, represented by NANS PRO Orowole Eniola Owoyemi, accused Seyi of attempting to hijack the organization.
No Independent Confirmation
Despite the gravity of the allegations, no independent confirmation has emerged from hotel officials or security agencies. Media outlets like Legit.ng and CREEbhills reported that eyewitness accounts and hotel sources did not support Isah’s claims.
Efforts to reach the hotel management for comments have been unsuccessful, and as of the time of this report, the police have not released an official statement regarding the alleged attack.
Public Reaction and Social Media Discourse
The allegations have sparked widespread discussion on social media. While some users amplified Isah’s claims, others supported Seyi Tinubu’s denials, calling for a thorough investigation rather than a trial by public opinion.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the growing concern over political infiltration in student leadership bodies. The National Association of Nigerian Students, once a staunch advocate for youth and education reforms, appears caught in a struggle for control that transcends its foundational mission.
With no definitive evidence yet presented and both sides sticking to their narratives, the truth remains elusive. However, the controversy has raised serious questions about the integrity of student politics in Nigeria and the potential misuse of political power.
Editor’s Note: This report is based on available information and conflicting claims as of 06:40 AM WAT, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Developments may follow pending official investigations or statements.