The National Association of Nigerian Students has dismissed allegations that the organisation has been hijacked by politicians, including the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi.
The students union denounced the claims as made by Henry Okunomu, who identified himself as a former Senate President of the body.
In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, on Wednesday, NANS said “Mr Henry Okunomu has never held the position of Senate President within our association,” labelling his assertions as false and an attempt at blackmail.
Okunomu had appeared on Channels Television earlier in the week, where he raised alarm over the growing influence of political actors in NANS, stating, “In fact, let me say, the organisation is almost losing it. Because these people have programmed the organisation in the sense that if you do not have government backing, I’m afraid you might not be able to become anything in the organisation.”
He alleged that NANS had shifted from its founding principles of student advocacy to political patronage.
Okunomu also alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, had been meddling in the internal affairs of NANS, questioning his interest and stake in the students’ union.
“With the involvement of the President’s son for the past one year, he has done everything to make sure that the organisation is porous. What he stands to gain, I don’t know. What he wants to achieve, I don’t know. But the question I want the general public to ask him is, what is his interest in NANS?” Okunomu said during his TV appearance.
But in a reaction on Wednesday, NANS disowned Okunomu, warning the public and the media to be wary of impostors.
“It is deeply concerning that media platforms we consider reputable would grant their platform to individuals peddling falsehoods and seeking to tarnish the image of a formidable organisation like NANS,” the union said.
Reinforcing NANS commitment to transparency, Ajasa explained: “Aspiring leaders undergo a thorough process that includes obtaining forms, comprehensive screening, and other crucial steps well in advance of our conventions. The suggestion that financial resources can bypass our established protocols and constitutional requirements is not only false but also deeply insulting.”
On the leadership tussle, NANS clarified: “We want to clearly state that Mr Abubakr is in no way the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. The legitimate and duly elected President of NANS, representing the Nigerian student populace, is Comrade Olushola Oladoja.”
Reaffirming its independence from political control, the association emphasised: “NANS is never an arm of any political party, government or politician. This is reflected in the various positions we have taken over unfavourable policies that affect the interests of our members — Nigerian students — irrespective of whose ox is gored.”
The student body warned sternly against political manipulation: “Let it be unequivocally stated that NANS will not tolerate anyone, under whatever guise, using the name of the association as a tool of blackmail or political manipulation.”
