In a dramatic turn of events, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, has publicly apologized to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over allegations of assault and bribery. The apology comes after a viral video surfaced in which Isah accused Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youths and Sports, Ayodele Olawande, of offering him ₦100 million to support President Tinubu—a claim he has now retracted.

In his initial statement, Isah alleged that he was invited to Lagos by Seyi Tinubu and Minister Olawande. He claimed that after a brief meeting where he hugged the minister, he was offered ₦100 million to endorse the president. Isah further alleged that his refusal led to a series of harrowing events, including being abducted, stripped naked, and physically assaulted on April 15, 2025. He also claimed that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was involved in obtaining a coerced statement from him, purportedly abdicating his position as NANS president.

However, in a recent public apology titled "Setting The Records Straight/Public Apology To Seyi Tinubu," Isah admitted that the allegations were false. He revealed that he had been misled by Ladoja Olusola, who he described as being desperate to remove him from his legitimate position as NANS president. According to Isah, Olusola concocted the story as part of a ploy to seize control of the student body through deceptive means.

Isah stated that Olusola had warned him that Seyi Tinubu could order his elimination and instruct the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokum, to cover up the incident. Additionally, he claimed that Olusola painted Seyi Tinubu as a ruthless figure who would stop at nothing to undermine his tenure. Isah further clarified that contrary to his earlier claims, Seyi Tinubu was not present at the venue of his inauguration, admitting that his statements were fueled by the narrative Olusola created.

Expressing remorse, Isah stated, "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. In fact, I later found out that Mr. Seyi was nowhere near the venue."

The apology has sparked mixed reactions among students and the public. Some have commended Isah for retracting his statements, acknowledging the pressure and confusion he may have faced. Others, however, have questioned the credibility of both his initial accusations and subsequent apology.

Seyi Tinubu, who has yet to issue a statement in response to the apology, has faced significant public scrutiny following the initial allegations. The Minister of Youths and Sports, Ayodele Olawande, has also not commented on the matter.

This incident has stirred discussions about the influence of political actors on student leadership and the potential for misinformation to escalate tensions. The NANS president's public apology is seen as a significant development in clarifying the narrative, but it also raises questions about the motivations behind the initial accusations.

As the dust settles, stakeholders in the student community and beyond are calling for greater transparency and caution in handling sensitive issues involving high-profile figures. Whether the apology will mend relations between Isah and Tinubu remains to be seen, but it certainly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga surrounding the leadership of NANS.