The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has sent a warning to two former presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), accusing them of trying to cause division within the student body.
In a statement released by NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, the student group said both politicians were backing efforts to destabilize the association’s leadership.
The statement mentioned Atiku Abubakar’s cousin, Atiku Abubakar Isah, claiming he was being supported financially to stir conflict among students.
According to the statement, secret meetings have reportedly taken place between Atiku Abubakar and his cousin, with the alleged goal of influencing student politics. NANS described this as dangerous and unacceptable.
“NANS is not a tool for any political party or figure,” the statement read. “We reject any attempt to use our platforms for political games, especially ahead of future elections.”
The student body warned that if the interference continues, it will organize protests across universities and declare Atiku unwelcome on campuses across Nigeria.
NANS also urged the public, media, and security agencies to pay attention to what they called efforts to weaken the independence of the student movement.
“We are standing firm to protect the unity and voice of Nigerian students,” the statement added.
