Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to control his family members.
Atiku accused Tinubu’s son, Seyi, of trying to secure political loyalty for the president through any means necessary.
This comes after allegations by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Isah, of physical assault, kidnapping, and bribery by Seyi.
In a statement released by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed deep concern over the serious allegations made by Isah, stating that they go against democratic norms and civil liberties.
Atiku emphasized the gravity of the accusations against a member of the first family and called them disturbing and dangerous.
The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, who appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary, including coercion, violence, and intimidation.
“Had this incident ended fatally, it would have been recorded among the growing list of atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country. That it is allegedly tied to the President’s own son makes it even more horrifying.
“What’s worse is the emerging suggestion that even top security officials are not beyond Seyi Tinubu’s overreaching influence — an unacceptable compromise of state institutions.”
Atiku accused Tinubu’s family of trying to subjugate NANS or any civil society group via “threats, bribe, or brute force.”
The former Vice President urged imminent Nigerians to speak up against the activities of Tinubu’s family
“Well-meaning Nigerians must rise to speak out,” adding that “We must remind them that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance.”
He described attempts to connect him to Isah politically as baseless, malicious, and desperate.