Mixed reactions have trailed the recent apology and retraction of allegations made by Atiku Isah, the factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Isah apologised for falsely accusing Seyi Tinubu of offering him N100m to support the government’s agenda.
He also apologised for claiming that he was abducted and beaten up by Tinubu’s associates.
Isah, in a post titled, “Setting The Records Straight/Public Apology To Seyi Tinubu”, attributed the false allegations to misinformation provided by Ladoja Olusola, his rival in NANS.
“Please permit me dear Nigerians to set the record straight regarding my video that recently went viral across social media platforms. In the video, I alleged that the son of the President, Mr Seyi’ Tinubu and the Minister of Youths and Sport, Ayodele Olawande, invited me to Lagos. I further stated that the Minister and I hugged , and thereafter offered me #100,000,000 to support President Bola Ahmad Tinubu but that I rejected the offer.
“In the video, I also alleged that, for what they considered my stubbornness to reject their #100,000,000, I was on the 15th of April, 2025 abducted, stripped naked and thoroughly beaten up and in connivance with the MD of the Nigerian Television Authority ( NTA), I was taken to the station where an involuntary statement purportedly abdicating my position as NANS President was obtained under duress.
“It has become imperative to note that the offer of N100,000,000 which was alleged was made to me to support President Tinubu was clearly untrue as Ladoja Olusola, who was desperate to get me out of my legitimate position as the duly elected President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), fed me the lies and half truths for the sole purpose of achieving his selfish agenda of taking over the reigns of the student body through the back doors.
“It was also Ladoja Olusola, who warned me that Mr Seyi Tinubu could order my killing and thereafter instruct the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokum, to bury the matter.
“It also stated among other things, that Seyi’ Tinubu led thugs to the venue of my Inauguration. This was very untrue. I made these claims owing to the picture of Seyi Tinubu painted to me by Ladoja Olusola who swore to me that Seyi was doing everything to ensure I am not alive to serve my tenure as NANS president. Infact, I later found out that Mr Seyi’ was nowhere near the venue. Comr Atiku Isah NANS President,” he posted.
Some social media users have praised Isah for owning up to his mistakes, while others have questioned his sincerity.
Comr. Okpanachi Joseph said, “It seems this guy has been held hostage, this is not coming from the brave and courageous Atiku (Isah) we know, but if this will save your life momentarily it is ok.”
Matthew Olawale expressed concern that Isah might later claim his apology was made under duress.
“I just hope you won’t come back to claim this was done under duress just like the last time,” he wrote.
Adedeji Abdulkwasiu Adulsalam however, commended Isah for his sincerity, saying, “Good job my brother, my friend. You see, one good thing about sincerity of your apology is that in the video where you made all these alledge you clearly stated that you were informed by Ladoja. Your intelligence played out in your speech in the video. Good luck to you my good friend.”
However, Hassan Aliu criticised Isah, saying, “So why the falsehood against Mr Seyi Tinubu. You claimed he was behind your ordeal. I expect you to face the cross all alone. You betrayed the trust bestowed on you by those who hold you with high esteem. It’s unfortunate that you stoop so low to misguide your followers. Ladoja is fit and capable of the leadership position he holds as NANS president. He has what it takes to get the job done.”
Meanwhile, there have been reports that Isah is being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his allegations against Seyi Tinubu.
According to Sahara Reporters, Isah was coerced into writing a statement retracting his allegations and forced to pose for a photo with a gun placed in his hand, intended to be used as blackmail.