…student body rejects pressure to join campaigns, insists movement is partisan

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has launched a stinging attack on activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, accusing him and the Take It Back (TIB) Movement of pursuing partisan political interests under the guise of civil advocacy.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, dismissed allegations published by SaharaReporters questioning his status as a student, describing the report as false, misleading and a calculated attempt to spread disinformation.

Akinteye reaffirmed that he is a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, insisting that the publication raises serious concerns about the media platform’s credibility and its commitment to professional journalism.

According to him, responsible media organizations are expected to verify facts before publication rather than disseminate claims that could mislead the public or damage reputations.

The NANS president, however, reserved his strongest criticism for Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, alleging that the activist’s simultaneous involvement in journalism, activism and partisan politics has blurred ethical boundaries and cast doubts on the neutrality of the movement he leads.

He argued that the Take It Back Movement is increasingly viewed as a politically driven organization rather than an independent pressure group, and that its activities and affiliations continue to attract public scrutiny.

Akinteye also alleged that concerns have been raised in some quarters over what he described as perceived sympathies by the movement towards activities linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The student leader stressed that NANS would not succumb to pressure to align with Sowore or the Take It Back Movement in ongoing advocacy efforts surrounding the rescue of abducted students and teachers across the country.

While commending organized labour groups such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for their roles in championing the cause of kidnapped victims, he maintained that the Take It Back Movement stands on a different footing because of what he described as its political undertones.

“The public should note that those at the forefront of their recent protests are state chairmen of the African Action Congress (AAC),” Akinteye stated, arguing that such involvement raises legitimate questions about the group’s neutrality and intentions.

He challenged Sowore and members of the movement to openly identify as a political organization if they intend to engage in partisan activities rather than presenting themselves as non-partisan advocates.

Despite the disagreement, Akinteye reiterated NANS’ commitment to campaigning for the rescue and safe return of all abducted students and teachers, vowing that the association would continue to hold the government accountable until the victims regain their freedom.

“We will continue to defend the mandate of Nigerian students and resist any call for anarchy or destruction in the country,” he declared.

The latest exchange signals a deepening rift between the country’s foremost student body and the activist-led movement, with both sides now locked in a battle over credibility, advocacy and political influence.