The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denied reports suggesting that its leadership held a secret meeting with Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, in relation to the association’s leadership transition.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the student body called the allegations unfounded, lacking any supporting evidence, and part of a calculated attempt to stir division, attack reputations, and damage the association’s credibility.
Akinteye Babatunde, President of the NANS Senate, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to democratic values, transparency, and fairness in its leadership transition process.
“The leadership of NANS categorically rejects the baseless and unverified claims made by Comrade Jubril Batuta regarding an alleged covert meeting with Mr. Seyi Tinubu aimed at influencing the upcoming leadership change,” Babatunde stated.
“These allegations, which lack any credible evidence, are designed to create discord, harm reputations, and undermine the integrity of our respected association.”
Babatunde emphasized that NANS operates in accordance with principles of transparency and accountability, with its election process clearly outlined in the association’s constitution. He also highlighted the role of the Independent NANS Convention Planning Committee (INANS-CPC), an independent body responsible for overseeing the elections and ensuring that only qualified candidates are eligible to run. He further stressed that no outside influence, regardless of stature, can interfere with or control the election process.
The statement also rejected claims of ethnic favoritism and the so-called “Yorubanisation” of the leadership transition, calling such narratives divisive and counterproductive to the association’s ideals of unity and inclusivity.
“Spreading such inflammatory rhetoric is a disservice to the millions of students we represent, especially when there are established procedures within NANS to address grievances and verify concerns,” he said.
Babatunde urged all candidates and stakeholders to focus on presenting their platforms and engaging with students and other members, rather than participating in groundless propaganda.
“The NANS Constitution upholds fairness, merit, and regional balance in its electoral process. Any aspirant found in violation of the rules will be disqualified by the INANS-CPC, which remains steadfast in its mission to ensure free, fair, and credible elections,” Babatunde added.
He reiterated the association’s unwavering commitment to autonomy, emphasizing that no individual or group, regardless of their influence, can override the collective will of Nigerian students.
“We call on Comrade Batuta and all aspirants to stop promoting unverified claims that could harm the unity and integrity of our association,” Babatunde concluded.
