BY BEN OGBEMUDIA

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has warned two former presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), to stop causing divisions in the student body or face massive protests.

In a statement by NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, the student group said that both politicians were backing efforts to destabilise the Association’s leadership.

The statement alluded to Atiku Abubakar’s cousin, Atiku Abubakar Isah, (President of NANS), who claimed he was being supported financially to stir conflict among students.

According to NANS, secret meetings had 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.

“We reject any attempt to use our platforms for political games, especially ahead of future elections,” the body stated.

The body warned that if the interference continued, it would organise 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 declared.