‘Nigeria is not a monarchy’ – Atiku warns Tinubu over Seyi’s conduct

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to rein in his son, Seyi Tinubu, over serious allegations of assault, abduction, and bribery levelled by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah.

In a statement released by Paul Ibe of the Atiku Media Office, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the claims made by Comrade Isah as “deeply alarming,” warning that they threaten democratic norms and civil liberties in Nigeria.

“That such grave accusations are being levelled against a member of the First Family is both disturbing and dangerous. Had this incident ended fatally, it would have been another addition to the growing list of atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President noted that if true, the implication of Seyi Tinubu in such conduct is “horrifying,” and further alleged that the President’s son may be wielding undue influence over top security officials.

“It is intolerable that the First Family would attempt to subjugate NANS or any civil society organization through threats, bribery, or brute force. Nigeria is a democratic republic — not a monarchy handed down to one family,” Atiku declared.

He called on Nigerians to reject what he termed the Tinubu family’s “rabid drive to consolidate political power through manipulation and fear.”

While dismissing any insinuation that he orchestrated the controversy in collaboration with Comrade Isah, Atiku clarified that his meeting with the student leader was focused strictly on education reforms and student welfare, citing his own educational initiatives like the American University of Nigeria (AUN) and AUN Academy.

He stressed that Comrade Isah’s allegations must be investigated independently, especially given suggestions that security agencies failed to protect him and may even be complicit.

“We issue a clear warning: nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to him will not go unnoticed or unchallenged,” the statement read.

Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and education as a pillar for national development, insisting that he would not be distracted by “false narratives or cowardly intimidation.”