A heated controversy involving Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) dominated discussions on X, fueled by allegations from NANS factional president Atiku Abubakar Isah. Isah claimed that Seyi orchestrated a violent disruption of NANS’ inauguration ceremony at The Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, alleging that thugs loyal to Seyi, armed with guns and machetes, attacked attendees, injured many, and forced dignitaries like Senator Ibrahim Shekarau to flee. Isah further accused Seyi of offering him a ₦100 million bribe to promote President Tinubu’s administration, which he rejected, claiming this led to his abduction, beating, and forced recording of a statement. He alleged Seyi’s actions were part of an effort to control NANS and suppress student activism ahead of the 2027 elections.
Seyi Tinubu swiftly denied these allegations via Instagram, calling them “fictional” and “defamatory,” stating he had never met Isah, visited the venue, or engaged in any such activities. He dismissed the claims as an attempt to tarnish his reputation, with supporters like Afenifere labeling Isah’s accusations “fallacious” and politically motivated. Hotel staff and other sources reported no evidence of a security breach, and NANS’ PRO, Adeyemi Ajasa, denied claims of political hijacking, questioning Isah’s legitimacy as president.
The controversy reignited concerns about Seyi’s alleged influence over NANS, with former NANS Senate President Henry Okunomo accusing him of politicizing the body, making it “porous” and diverting its focus from student welfare. Posts on X, including from @SaharaReporters, highlighted past claims of Seyi manipulating NANS elections, with some users like
@engr_shaibu_ calling for his arrest. However, others, like the Friends of Seyi Tinubu group, praised his support for student unity, dismissing interference claims as baseless.
The lack of official confirmation from police or hotel management, coupled with NANS’ internal factionalism, left the story mired in conflicting narratives. While Isah’s supporters saw him as resisting political overreach, Seyi’s defenders viewed the allegations as smear tactics. The trending hashtag #SeyiTinubu reflected Nigeria’s polarized sentiment, with debates centering on power, privilege, and the independence of student leadership.
