Seyi Tinubu has publicly denied a series of serious accusations made against him by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, calling the allegations “completely fictional” and defamatory.
The controversy emerged after Isah, during a press conference on Wednesday, alleged that Tinubu and Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande attempted to bribe him with ₦100 million to publicly support the administration of Nigeria’s president. According to Isah, he refused the offer, claiming he could not endorse a leadership that had not delivered tangible results.
Isah went further, alleging that he was later abducted, physically assaulted, and coerced into making a public statement under duress.
Tinubu Responds: “I’ve Never Met Him”
In a series of Instagram posts on Friday, Tinubu broke his silence, expressing disbelief over the accusations. “Wow… how can someone lie with so much confidence?” he wrote. “This is clearly an attempt to defame my character. May God be with you, Comrade Atiku Isah.”
He followed up with a more detailed response, clarifying that he had never had any form of engagement with the NANS president. “I have never held a meeting with Comrade Isah in Lagos or anywhere else. I have never knowingly met him. I also did not visit any location with thugs. These claims are entirely fabricated,” Tinubu stated.
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NANS President Alleges Threats and Cover-up.
At the press briefing, Isah painted a troubling picture, alleging that his safety was threatened following his refusal to accept the alleged bribe. He claimed that on April 15, he was stripped naked, beaten, and filmed against his will in a plot to intimidate him into silence.
“They said nothing would happen even if they shared the video or killed me,” Isah said. He further claimed that certain unnamed individuals assured him that any potential fallout would be covered up and that Seyi Tinubu would influence top security officials to suppress the matter.
Despite the threats, Isah said he proceeded with his inauguration and decided to go public with his experience. “Even if I am shot, I will still speak. I want Nigerians to know what has happened. We will not back down,” he declared.
Youth Group Commends Tinubu’s Public Stand.
Amid the rising tensions, the Lagos Youth Foundation for Transformation (LYFT) released a statement commending Tinubu for responding promptly and directly to the allegations. The group described his response as an act of integrity and maturity at a time when public discourse in Nigeria is increasingly marred by false accusations.
“Addressing these kinds of accusations head-on is necessary to counter the spread of misinformation and targeted character attacks,” said Showemimo Ahmed, LYFT’s President.
The group emphasized Tinubu’s consistent record of avoiding online controversies, noting that his decision to respond this time reflects the seriousness of the allegations.
“Seyi’s reaction reflects a commitment to transparency and peace, even under provocation. It shows the strength of character that has long defined his public presence,” LYFT added.
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Call for Responsible Youth Leadership.
LYFT also used the opportunity to call on young leaders to act with integrity and avoid weaponizing misinformation for personal or political gain. “Leadership demands maturity, especially from youth who aspire to influence public policy or civic life,” the statement read.
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The organization concluded by urging restraint in public commentary and cautioning against turning personal grievances into smear campaigns.
