In a dramatic twist to the ongoing leadership transition of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Jubril Batuta, a presidential candidate from the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), has alleged that Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is orchestrating a covert meeting to manipulate the election process in favor of a preferred Yoruba candidate.
Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sahara Reporters broke the news, citing a statement issued by Batuta on Tuesday. The statement, widely circulated among journalists, accused Seyi Tinubu of convening a clandestine stakeholder meeting in Abuja aimed at influencing the leadership succession of NANS.
“This meeting, shrouded in secrecy, is a clear attempt to manipulate the leadership transition process of NANS in favor of a predetermined candidate,” Batuta declared in his statement.
The aspiring NANS president described the alleged interference as an affront to the principles of fairness and democracy, urging President Tinubu to immediately caution his son and prevent further meddling in the union’s internal affairs.
Batuta added, “It has come to our attention with unmitigated disappointment that a clandestine stakeholders’ meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is being convened at an undisclosed location in Abuja at the instance of Mr. Seyi Tinubu. Such actions undermine the credibility of NANS and erode the trust of Nigerian students in our electoral process.”
He further called on NANS members, stakeholders, and the general student population to remain vigilant, emphasizing that the integrity of the election must not be compromised. “The student body deserves a leadership chosen through transparency and fairness, free from external interference or political manipulation,” Batuta remarked.
The allegations have sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with many questioning the involvement of prominent political figures in what should be an autonomous student union election. Critics argue that such interference sets a dangerous precedent, while others demand a thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Seyi Tinubu, who is no stranger to controversies surrounding his alleged influence on national matters, has yet to respond to the accusations. Meanwhile, the presidency remains silent, fueling speculation over the validity of Batuta’s claims.
This unfolding development raises significant questions about the intersection of politics and student leadership, particularly as NANS continues to play a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of Nigerian students. As the election draws closer, all eyes are on NANS to uphold its core values of integrity, accountability, and representation.
The Nigerian public eagerly awaits a response from Seyi Tinubu and the presidency on the matter, as the stakes for NANS and its future leadership have never been higher.
PIONEER NEWS 