Seyi Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu; the Department of State Services (DSS); and the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) of abduction and torture.

He is demanding N38.3 billion in damages. According to a report by Truth Lens News, Isah alleged that Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, offered him a N100 million bribe to support President Tinubu’s re-election.

He claimed he rejected the offer due to the government’s failure to fulfill past promises.

Following his refusal, Isah stated that he was abducted on April 15, stripped of his belongings, beaten, and forced to issue a statement under duress.

He also accused his abductors of threatening to kill him and cover up the crime.

However, Seyi Tinubu has denied all allegations, stating that he has no connection with Isah and has never met him. In a post on his Instagram page, he dismissed the claims as false and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

Additionally, a civil society group, Education for Accelerated Development (EAD), declared that Isah lacks the legitimacy to serve as NANS president, describing his accusations as baseless and a publicity stunt.

The case has sparked public debate, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged abduction and bribery claims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned Eedris Abdulkareem’s new song, “Seyi Tell Your Papa,” from all private and independent TV and radio stations in Nigeria, both on-air and online.  

The track, which criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlights Nigeria’s economic struggles with lyrics like: “Seyi, tell your papa, country hard. Tell your papa, people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jaga-jaga.” The song references Abdulkareem’s 2004 protest anthem, “Jaga Jaga,” further amplifying its political tone.  

In the banned track, the veteran rapper accuses Tinubu of failing to deliver on campaign promises, worsening socio-economic conditions. The NBC’s directive enforces a nationwide blackout of the song, citing possible violations of broadcasting codes.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Whether you love him or dislike him, Seyi Tinubu is skillfully mastering the art of being close to power and leveraging his position as the son of Nigeria’s President. The President of Nigeria wields significant power and influence, and Seyi is gradually understanding both the intricacies of Nigerian politics and the delicate task of managing those around his father.

Now, he has taken on a significant and challenging task: restoring the APC’s once-unquestioned dominance in the North—a region that, while outwardly cordial, seems to be quietly drifting away from the party and the Tinubu/Kashim presidency. The North is revolting and smiling!

On this mission, Seyi could either succeed or fail, depending on his arithmetic skills, his father’s policies and programs, and, most crucially, President Tinubu’s willingness to hear uncomfortable truths, especially those his close associates might struggle to convey.

Seyi has identified a key battleground: the youth. His recent focus on distributing food items during Ramadan is a commendable step, so to speak. If executed strategically, it could yield positive results. However, food distribution alone remains a weak and short-lived strategy. 

What more can Seyi do? A multi-pronged approach is needed- an economic and political strategy. Beyond handouts, Seyi, as a young man, should focus on real empowerment. He must identify and support enterprising young Northerners who are not part of the political elite but are making tangible impacts in their communities. 

While he may have supported and empowered many individuals in the past, his new focus should be on fresh faces—ambitious, independent-minded young Northerners who, when given support, can drive real change. This could translate into both grassroots influence and renewed political goodwill for the APC in the region.

Expanding his political network thoughtfully will be impactful; Seyi needs to move beyond the usual circle of children from the political elite. The North is home to many educated and brilliant young minds who remain untapped. Bringing them into his circle could prove invaluable for rebuilding trust and influence.

Leveraging social media influencers will play a crucial role. This time, entertainment influencers will have little to no impact. Instead, Seyi should engage influencers whose voices carry weight—those known for insightful, educational, and impactful messaging that resonates with the region’s unique socio-political landscape.

Ultimately, Seyi Tinubu’s success in the North will depend on how well he moves beyond optics and embraces a more strategic, sustainable approach. The challenge is immense and thorny, but so are the opportunities. 

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Angry youths in Gombe State have looted Ramadan palliative supplies reportedly meant for distribution by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The incident occurred as part of a Ramadan feeding program launched by Seyi Tinubu during his visits to northern states for Iftar celebrations with residents and political leaders.

Seyi’s initiative, aimed at assisting the less privileged during the holy month, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions on social media.

While some welcomed the gesture, others criticized it, arguing that the north deserved more sustainable support than temporary palliative aid.Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor, voiced his displeasure on Facebook, urging Seyi to implement long-term empowerment programs.

He suggested that the youths in Bauchi needed job opportunities, business startups, and digital skills training rather than food parcels.

“Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day,” he said.

In Gombe, the distribution of palliative items, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta, quickly turned chaotic.

Video footage showed youths unloading and carting away cartons of food from a truck, with some throwing the items to others on the ground.

Two trucks containing 3,500 cartons of food had been allocated to the state, but while one was reportedly distributed, the other was intercepted by the angry youths.

Observers have suggested that the distribution might have been sabotaged by those left out of the initial handout event, which took place at the state’s APC Secretariat.

Seyi’s outreach initiative, while framed as part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement program, is also seen by some as a strategic political move to strengthen his father’s political foothold in the northern region, where there is still some resistance to his re-election.