The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has refuted claims of a secret meeting between its leadership and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, regarding the association’s leadership transition process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the President of the NANS Senate, Akinteye Babatunde, the association described the allegations as baseless, lacking evidence, and a calculated attempt to create discord, malign individuals, and tarnish the association’s credibility.
Babatunde stated, “The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students unequivocally denies the unfounded claims by Comrade Jubril Batuta alleging a secret meeting with Mr Seyi Tinubu to manipulate the NANS leadership transition process. These accusations, devoid of any empirical evidence, are an attempt to sow division and discredit our esteemed association.”
He emphasized NANS’ commitment to transparency, equity, and accountability in its democratic processes. According to him, the association’s constitution provides a clear framework for leadership transitions, which is strictly implemented by the Independent NANS Convention Planning Committee (INANS-CPC).
“The INANS-CPC operates as an independent body, tasked with upholding the integrity of the electoral process. It ensures that only qualified candidates participate, making it impossible for any external influence to subvert or manipulate the process,” Babatunde added.
Babatunde also dismissed allegations of ethnic bias and “yorubanisation” of the leadership process, labelling such claims as divisive and contrary to the values of unity and inclusiveness that NANS represents.
He said, “It is a disservice to the millions of Nigerian students we represent to propagate such inflammatory rhetoric, particularly when NANS provides internal mechanisms to address grievances and verify claims.”
The association urged all aspirants to focus on presenting their manifestos and engaging meaningfully with stakeholders rather than resorting to unfounded propaganda. Babatunde reiterated that NANS remains steadfast in its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, with the principles of geopolitical zoning, fairness, and meritocracy enshrined in its constitution.
“No individual or group, regardless of their influence, can override the collective will of Nigerian students or compromise the autonomy of NANS,” he said.
He concluded by urging Comrade Batuta and others to avoid spreading unverified claims that could undermine the association’s cohesion and integrity.
