The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has refuted claims of a secret meeting between its leadership and the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi 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, divisive, and lacking evidence, asserting its commitment to transparency and democratic principles.
Babatunde dismissed the claims made by Comrade Jubril Batuta, who alleged that Seyi Tinubu attempted to manipulate the forthcoming NANS leadership transition.
“These allegations, bereft of empirical evidence, are a deliberate attempt to sow discord, malign personalities, and undermine the credibility of our esteemed association,” Babatunde said.
He emphasized that NANS operates independently, with its leadership transition process guided by its constitution and managed by the Independent NANS Convention Planning Committee (INANS-CPC).
“The NANS Constitution unequivocally provides a framework for the conduct of elections, which is dutifully implemented by the INANS-CPC. This independent body upholds the sanctity of the electoral process, ensuring that only qualified and eligible candidates participate,” Babatunde stated.
He added that it was “inconceivable” for any external entity, regardless of influence, to subvert the association’s democratic process or impose candidates.
Babatunde also condemned claims of ethnic favouritism and the alleged “Yorubanisation” of the leadership process, describing them as inflammatory and contrary to NANS’ ideals of unity and inclusiveness.
“It is a gross disservice to the millions of Nigerian students we represent to peddle such inflammatory rhetoric, especially when mechanisms exist within the association to address grievances and verify claims,” he said.
Henzodaily reports that the statement urged aspirants and stakeholders to prioritize articulating their manifestos and engaging with students rather than indulging in baseless propaganda.
“The NANS Constitution enshrines principles of geopolitical zoning, fairness, and meritocracy. Any aspirant found to be ineligible or in contravention of the rules will be duly disqualified by the INANS-CPC,” Babatunde said.
Babatunde reaffirmed the autonomy of NANS, stating that no individual or group, regardless of their stature, could override the collective will of Nigerian students.
“To this end, we urge Comrade Batuta and other aspirants to refrain from propagating unverified claims that can jeopardize the cohesion and integrity of our association,” he concluded.
As the leadership transition process continues, the association reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, urging all members to uphold the unity and credibility of NANS.