By Ibrahim Garba
Aspirants for senate presidency of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have cautioned Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, against interfering in the process and activities of the body.
Deploring his alleged endorsement of one of the contestants is capable of polarising the association.
In a statement, the aspirants, including Opeoluwa Awoyinfa of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Adetunji Olalere of the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele Ibadan, Oyo State, Segun Ekudina of Sikuru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State and Henry Okunomo of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), charged the President’s son on neutrality.
The statement reads in part: “We respectfully appeal to Seyi Tinubu not to polarise the students’ body, which will definitely result in compounding issues for this administration that his purported endorsement of a particular candidate could cause.”
We believe that his influence should be used to foster a level playing field, where every aspirant has an equal opportunity to succeed. This is very important because each of us forms an integral part of the broader political structure that contributed to the success of his father’s presidential ambition.
“We must understand that the strength of a democratic system lies in its inclusivity and the equitable participation of all actors. It is, therefore, very necessary that Seyi Tinubu acknowledges the aspirations of all NANS Senate presidential aspirants and support them without favouring one over the other.
“The endorsement of a single candidate could inadvertently create a sense of alienation amongst other aspirants and their supporters, which could potentially undermine the unity and strength of the broader political structure.
“We, therefore, appeal to Seyi Tinubu to consider the bigger picture and the long-term implications of his actions. By supporting all aspirants equally, he will be reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles and strengthening the political structure, which is vital to his father’s advocacy for equality, justice and fairness in the overall interest of Nigerian students.”
They continued: “We believe that Seyi Tinubu understands the importance of maintaining unity and equality amongst all aspirants. We are also confident that he will take our concerns into consideration and act in a manner that supports the democratic ideals we all hold dear.
“Democracy is not just about the destination, but the journey. Let us ensure that this journey is fair and inclusive for all aspirants. This way, we can build a stronger and more vibrant political system that will deliver on the promise of a better and more prosperous Nigeria.”
