National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly denied claims of holding a secret meeting with Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, concerning the association’s leadership transition process.
The student body described the allegations as baseless, divisive, and intended to tarnish its credibility.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, the association reiterated its commitment to transparency and democratic principles in its leadership transition process.
Babatunde emphasized that the process is managed independently and remains free from external interference.
“The leadership of NANS categorically repudiates the spurious and unfounded claims made by Comrade Jubril Batuta regarding an alleged clandestine meeting convened by Mr. Seyi Tinubu to influence our leadership transition,” Babatunde said.
“These allegations, lacking any credible evidence, are a deliberate attempt to sow discord, malign personalities, and undermine the credibility of our association.”
He explained that the Independent NANS Convention Planning Committee (INANS-CPC), an autonomous body, is responsible for conducting the electoral process, ensuring fairness and integrity.
“It is inconceivable for any external entity, no matter how influential, to subvert this process or impose candidates on NANS,” Babatunde added.
The NANS Senate President also condemned accusations of ethnic favoritism in the leadership process, describing such insinuations as harmful to the ideals of unity and inclusiveness that the association upholds.
“It is a gross disservice to the millions of Nigerian students we represent to propagate divisive rhetoric. Such actions contradict the unity we strive to foster among Nigerian students,” he stated.
Babatunde called on all aspirants and stakeholders to focus on presenting their manifestos and engaging with the student body rather than indulging in baseless propaganda.
He assured that the INANS-CPC would continue to uphold the principles of geopolitical zoning, meritocracy, and fairness in determining eligible candidates.
“The autonomy of NANS is non-negotiable. No individual or group, regardless of their stature or affiliation, can override the collective will of Nigerian students,” he asserted.
Babatunde urged Comrade Batuta and others to desist from spreading unverified claims that could jeopardize the association’s cohesion and integrity. “Let us focus on constructive engagements that will benefit the students we serve,” he concluded.
