Atiku to Tinubu: Rein in Your Son, Nigeria Is Not a Family Business

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently restrain his son, Seyi Tinubu, following serious allegations of abuse of power.

Atiku’s statement comes in reaction to claims made by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Isah, who accused Seyi Tinubu of physical assault, abduction, and attempted inducement. The allegations, if true, paint a disturbing picture of impunity and the misuse of influence by individuals closely connected to the presidency.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the accusations as deeply troubling and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic values and civil liberties. He warned that involving state resources and influence in such acts represents a dangerous erosion of institutional integrity.

“It is unacceptable that Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, is reportedly using coercion, violence, and bribery to secure political loyalty on behalf of his father. These actions, if unchecked, risk undermining democracy and the rule of law,” Atiku stated.

He further expressed concern over reports suggesting that top security officials may be yielding to undue influence from the president’s family, calling it a “frightening compromise” of national institutions.

Atiku also rejected insinuations linking him politically to NANS President Atiku Isah, describing such claims as desperate, baseless, and malicious attempts to divert attention.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to speak up against any form of tyranny or abuse of power:

“The presidency is not a private estate. It is a public trust that must be exercised with responsibility and respect for the rights of all citizens.”