Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in his family, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, amid serious allegations of assault and coercion.
Atiku was responding to claims made by Atiku Isah, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who accused Seyi Tinubu of physical assault, abduction, and attempts to buy political loyalty.
In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the allegations as “deeply alarming,” warning that they strike at the heart of democratic principles and civil liberties.
“These grave accusations against a member of the first family are both disturbing and dangerous,” the statement read. “President Tinubu must urgently call his son to order. Seyi Tinubu appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary, including coercion, violence, and intimidation.”
Atiku further warned that had the incident resulted in a fatality, it would have been added to the long list of violent acts attributed to criminal elements in the country. “That this incident is allegedly linked to the President’s own son makes it even more horrifying,” he said.
The former Vice President also raised concerns over what he called the “unacceptable compromise” of state institutions, citing suggestions that top security officials may be under Seyi Tinubu’s influence.
Atiku accused the President’s family of seeking to undermine student and civil society groups “through threats, bribery, or brute force.” He urged Nigerians to speak out against what he called a dangerous overreach by those in power.
“Well-meaning Nigerians must rise to speak out,” Atiku said. “The presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance.”
He dismissed attempts to link him politically to NANS President Atiku Isah as “baseless, malicious, and desperate.”
The presidency has yet to respond to the allegations.
