Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to “call his family to order” following serious allegations against Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu. The charges include physical assault, kidnapping, and inducement, reportedly made by Atiku Isah, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the accusations as deeply alarming and a threat to democratic norms and civil liberties in Nigeria. He expressed grave concern over the implication that a member of the President’s immediate family could be involved in such acts, calling it both disturbing and dangerous.
“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 said.
The former Vice President warned that had the incident ended fatally, it would have added to the growing list of atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country, making it even more horrifying that it allegedly involved the President’s own son. He also raised concerns about the possible overreach of Seyi Tinubu’s influence on top security officials, describing it as an unacceptable compromise of state institutions.
Atiku accused the Tinubu family of attempting to subjugate NANS and other civil society groups through “threats, bribes, or brute force.” He urged Nigerians to rise and speak out against such activities, emphasizing that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance.
Addressing attempts to link him politically to Atiku Isah, the PDP leader dismissed such claims as baseless, malicious, and desperate.
Atiku’s statement highlights growing tensions around political influence and the role of family members in governance, underscoring the need for accountability and respect for democratic principles in Nigeria.
