Sahara Reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that The battle for the presidency of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has taken a dramatic turn as aggrieved aspirants have petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged interference in the election process. The petitioners claim that the Convention Planning Committee (CPC) is working to impose a preferred candidate, Comrade Olusola Ladoja, allegedly backed by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
In a letter dated February 26, 2025, and signed by Atiku Abubakar Isah of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, on behalf of other aspirants, they accused the CPC of taking a biased stance by endorsing Ladoja for the NANS presidency. The letter, addressed to the Director General of the DSS, reads:
> “I write on behalf of all aggrieved aspirants to humbly request security presence for the conduct of our election into various positions of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This has become necessary to restore decorum and uphold democratic values in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The CPC, in its current composition, has abandoned neutrality and unilaterally adopted a candidate for the presidency, in the person of Comrade Olusola Ladoja.”
Isah further condemned the alleged imposition, stating:
> “This is unacceptable, and we will not allow anyone to jeopardize the good work of President Tinubu, whom we remain loyal to and hold in the highest regard.”
Frustrated by the turn of events, the aggrieved aspirants have announced plans to conduct their own election at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Zuba. According to Isah, accreditation will commence on February 27, 2025, while the election is set for February 28, 2025.
> “We will proceed with the list of cleared candidates already submitted to the DSS by the compromised CPC. We request security coverage to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election,” Isah stated.
The petition included a comprehensive list of 46 cleared candidates vying for various NANS positions, including:
13 aspirants for NANS President
5 for Vice President (External)
14 for Vice President (Special Duties)
3 for Senate President
The crisis has further deepened concerns about the transparency of the NANS election, with aspirants accusing the CPC of deliberately undermining the democratic process.
Allegations of Seyi Tinubu’s Interference and Vote-Buying
Meanwhile, multiple sources within NANS told Sahara Reporters that Seyi Tinubu is allegedly behind the election crisis, claiming he is using his influence to install Ladoja as the next NANS President. The sources also alleged that large sums of money were being funneled into the process to manipulate the outcome.
“Seyi Tinubu is blocking the election because he wants to force Ladoja Olusola on us,” a source revealed.
The ongoing controversy highlights the persistent power struggles within NANS, with many questioning the role of external forces in student politics. As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on the DSS and whether they will intervene to ensure a free and fair process or allow the crisis to escalate further.
PIONEER NEWS 