Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has broken his silence on the allegations made by a factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Isah, who accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of involvement in his alleged abduction and torture.
The factional student leader, Atiku Isah, says he was kidnapped and tortured after refusing money from Seyi Tinubu’s representatives.
“Nigeria cannot afford to suppress the voices of her young people,” Obi stated firmly. “Allegations of abduction and torture demand urgent attention, regardless of who is named.”
The former presidential candidate warned that intimidating student leaders undermines democracy and erodes trust in national institutions.
The Explosive Allegations
Isah, who leads a faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), claims unknown men abducted him after he turned down a bribe meant to influence the student body’s political stance.
According to Isah, these men subjected him to hours of physical and mental abuse. His claims quickly spread across social media this weekend, triggering public outrage and calls for answers.
“Baseless and Defamatory”
Seyi Tinubu firmly denied any involvement through his media team, calling the allegations “baseless, politically motivated and defamatory.”
“I am a private citizen focused on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship,” the president’s son stated. “Dragging my name into politically motivated conspiracies is both irresponsible and defamatory.”
Despite his denial, public concern continues to grow, with many demanding law enforcement conduct a thorough, unbiased investigation.
Rights Groups Sound Alarm
Civil society organizations have expressed serious concerns about the implications for youth activism in Nigeria.
“Whether or not Seyi Tinubu is found culpable, the fact that a student leader can make such a grave allegation suggests a deeper institutional failure,” said a representative from the Human Rights Advancement Network on Monday.
Several groups emphasized the need to protect those who speak out against powerful figures, pointing to a pattern of intimidation against government critics.
Obi’s Broader Warning
Obi’s statement went beyond this single case, addressing what he sees as a troubling trend of silencing dissent in Nigeria. He referenced the recent controversial arrest of social media commentator VeryDarkMan as another example of growing intolerance for criticism.
“In a democracy, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are stakeholders of today. We must ensure they have space to express themselves without fear of retribution,” Obi insisted.
The former governor emphasized that Nigeria’s future depends on empowering youth voices, not punishing independent thinking.
What Comes Next?
As of press time, no official investigation has been launched into Isah’s claims. Activists warn that failure to address these allegations could further alienate young Nigerians from political engagement.
Seyi Tinubu has not announced plans to sue for defamation, though his team says they are “monitoring the situation closely.”
Meanwhile, Isah stands firm on his account despite reported threats and online backlash.
Political analyst Chidi Okonkwo believes this case could become a defining moment: “How authorities handle these allegations will signal whether accountability applies to everyone or just to those without powerful connections’’.
