The Erosion of Democratic Norms: Allegations Against Seyi Tinubu and the State of Human Rights in Nigeria

By George O. Sylvester

In recent times, Nigeria has been gripped by a series of events that have raised serious concerns about the state of its democracy and the protection of human rights. Central to these concerns are allegations involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which have sparked widespread debate, condemnation and calls for accountability.

Allegations of Coercion, Bribery and Violence

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has accused Seyi Tinubu of orchestrating a violent disruption of their national convention in Abuja. According to Sahara Reporters, armed thugs were allegedly deployed to the venue, resulting in chaos and the imposition of Comrade Olushola Oladoja as a factional national president of NANS. Observers argue that this was a calculated attempt to hijack the student body for political mobilization in anticipation of President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. Despite the presence of security operatives, including members of the Department of State Services (DSS), no intervention was made, an omission that suggests silent complicity.

In a particularly disturbing development, the legitimately elected NANS president was reportedly abducted, stripped naked and beaten to stupor by armed assailants suspected to be working under the directive of powerful political interests. Eyewitnesses described the attack as savage and calculated, aimed at forcing the victim into submission and clearing the path for a loyalist to be installed as president. This violent assault not only constitutes a gross violation of human rights but also exposes the depths of impunity that have taken root under the current administration.

In another damning revelation, a factional leader of NANS reportedly refused a bribe of ₦100 million allegedly offered by Seyi Tinubu in a bid to buy loyalty and silence dissent. This act of attempted corruption underscores the desperation and depth of influence-peddling in the corridors of power. Rather than being an isolated incident, it reflects a disturbing pattern of coercion and subversion of independent institutions by the political elite.

Undue Influence and Breach of Protocol
Further compounding public anxiety is the reported undue access granted to Seyi Tinubu in matters of state. President Bola Tinubu himself admitted that unauthorized individuals, including his own son, had attended Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, an egregious breach of official protocol. Although the president later issued a directive restricting access to such high-level meetings, the damage had already been done. The admission alone has fueled suspicions about the growing, unchecked influence of unelected individuals in shaping national policy behind closed doors.

Rising Discontent Amid Economic Turmoil

The allegations against Seyi Tinubu come at a time when Nigeria is struggling under the weight of unprecedented economic hardship. The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira have triggered massive inflation and a steep decline in purchasing power. NANS has publicly called on President Tinubu to address the spiraling cost of living, warning that many students can no longer afford tuition, accommodation or even basic meals.

Public figures are also speaking out; Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe took to social media to plead with Seyi Tinubu to implore his father to act:

“People are hungry, Nigerians are dying and are going out of their minds.”

These sentiments reflect the anger and despair of millions of Nigerians who feel increasingly betrayed by a government that appears detached from their everyday suffering.

Political Voices of Resistance
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as a leading critic of the Tinubu administration’s treatment of civil liberties.

“The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing,” he said.
“The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.”

Similarly, human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has condemned the government’s policies, accusing it of gross mismanagement:

“This is the worst I have seen in my lifetime of record poverty, youth unemployment and a broken system run by cronies and family members.”

International Condemnation: Global Human Rights Perspectives
Global human rights watchdogs have not remained silent. Amnesty International has consistently flagged Nigeria for its deteriorating civil liberties. In a recent report, the organization noted:

“Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, we are witnessing increased suppression of dissent, clampdowns on peaceful protesters and targeted harassment of activists and journalists. The Nigerian government must end its intolerance of criticism and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) echoed these concerns, highlighting impunity at the highest levels. An HRW senior researcher stated:

“The shrinking civic space and widespread abuses of power we’re witnessing in Nigeria today are not only a threat to democracy but a danger to regional stability. The government’s failure to act against politically connected individuals accused of wrongdoing speaks volumes.”

The United Nations Human Rights Office also issued a pointed warning:

“Nigeria, as a signatory to multiple international human rights conventions, must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, justice and rule of law. Allegations involving government-linked actors must be swiftly investigated and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliations.”

Cultural Resistance: Eedris Abdulkareem Speaks Truth to Power
In a powerful cultural response, veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem released a series of critical tracks that directly challenge the Tinubu administration. Known for his fearless commentary on corruption and injustice, Abdulkareem called out the growing authoritarianism, nepotism and economic rot consuming the nation. His lyrics, filled with raw truth and poetic rage have become anthems of protest.

In a blistering verse, he raps:

“Tinubu don turn our pikin to president-in-waiting,
Dem no dey vote am, but e dey run everything.”

This cultural resistance reinforces the growing disillusionment with Nigeria’s political leadership and echoes the voices of millions who feel voiceless in their own country.

A Nation at a Crossroads
The allegations against Seyi Tinubu spanning bribery, coercion, violence, undue influence and nepotism which underscore a deeper crisis: the erosion of democratic norms and the suffocation of civil liberties. As the country grapples with record inflation, surging insecurity and a shrinking civic space, the behavior of those in power must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny.

If Nigeria is to salvage its democracy, it must reaffirm its commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. This is not merely a political necessity, it is a moral imperative. The youth, who represent the future of this country, must not be silenced, co-opted, or bribed into complicity. Their voices must be heard, their rights protected and their aspirations nurtured.

Only then can Nigeria hope to reclaim the democratic promise enshrined in its constitution and begin the long, difficult journey toward national renewal.

*Tayo Folorunsho Calls for Investment and Structural Reforms to Propel Abuja’s Entertainment Industry to Greater Heights*

Tayo Folorunsho, a Nigerian Media consultant / entertainment expert and founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE and The Big Break Moment Africa, has raised concerns about the challenges of running an entertainment business in Abuja.
Despite the hurdles, he remains committed to overcoming them, urging for significant investments and coordinated reforms to unlock the full potential of the city’s entertainment industry.

Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is renowned for its political significance, booming real estate sector, and vibrant economy. However, Folorunsho, who has successfully run entertainment ventures in Lagos, notes that Abuja’s entertainment market is still in its infancy. Unlike Lagos, where the entertainment scene operates year-round, Abuja’s event calendar is more limited, with activities mostly concentrated around festive periods. This seasonal nature, combined with inconsistent support from relevant agencies, poses a major challenge for entertainers and event managers looking to build sustainable businesses in the city.

In a recent media interview, Folorunsho described his initial experience in the Abuja market as a “misadventure.”
“The first strides I made in Abuja were marked by setbacks. Despite the city’s vast potential, it operates with a different approach, and my early efforts were met with difficulties,” he explained.

He highlighted several key frustrations, including bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of proper infrastructure to support the entertainment sector.
“In Abuja, the support system is difficult to navigate. Different agencies often come up with excuses such as ‘you’re not in the budget,’ or ‘the budget hasn’t been released.’ These obstacles make it harder to establish a successful entertainment business,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Folorunsho remains optimistic about Abuja’s entertainment future. He believes the city has enormous potential for growth, especially due to its expansive land space and thriving tourism sector—factors he sees as foundational pillars for the development of a robust entertainment industry.
“The land space and tourist attractions in Abuja are among its strongest assets. These factors, if properly harnessed, can propel Abuja into a leading entertainment hub,” he noted.

He encouraged up-and-coming entertainers in Abuja to remain rooted in the city and focus on building lasting infrastructure rather than relocating to Lagos.
“I urge entertainers who are gaining recognition in Abuja to remain and focus on building a lasting foundation for the entertainment industry in the city.”

While Abuja currently lacks an all-year entertainment culture like Lagos, Folorunsho insists the city holds untapped potential.
“Festive periods are when most events happen in Abuja, but with the right strategies, the city can develop an entertainment culture that thrives all year round,” he added.

He envisions a future where Abuja could rival—and even surpass—Lagos as Nigeria’s entertainment capital.
“I foresee a future where Abuja will become a booming entertainment destination. The city has the potential to surpass Lagos in terms of its entertainment industry, but this will require investment, policy reforms, and a collaborative effort from all stakeholders,” he emphasized.

Folorunsho calls for greater investment in the sector and a comprehensive overhaul of policies affecting the entertainment ecosystem in Abuja. He believes that with the right reforms, Abuja could become a central hub for entertainment in Nigeria, creating new opportunities for both emerging and established talents.

About Tayo Folorunsho
Tayo Folorunsho is a Nigerian media consultant / Entertainment expert and the founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE, a leading Education and Entertainment company.
Over the years,Folorunsho has played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian entertainment landscape, particularly through his work in Lagos and Abuja. His dedication to developing Abuja’s entertainment sector positions him as a key advocate for investment and reform in the industry.

Reclaiming Africa’s Narrative: A Call to Unity, Self-determination and Renaissance

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In 1988, during the waning days of apartheid, South Africa’s then-president P.W. Botha allegedly made a declaration so abhorrent it still echoes in the ears of all who believe in justice and equality: “Black people cannot rule themselves because they don’t have the brain and mental capacity to govern a society.” This vile statement, whether apocryphal or not, encapsulates the supremacist ideology that underpinned centuries of colonial subjugation, racial discrimination and the systemic erosion of African dignity.

But time has proven Botha and all who think like him resoundingly wrong.

The Colonial Disruption of African Societies
Before European intervention, Africa was not a dark, directionless wilderness as imperialists often depicted. It was a continent bursting with vibrant civilizations, flourishing trade routes and governance systems grounded in consensus, justice and communal responsibility. From the intellectual legacy of Timbuktu in Mali, the economic might of the Benin and Oyo empires, to the political sophistication of the Ashanti and Zulu nations, Africa was anything but backward.

Colonialism was not a civilizing mission, it was a criminal enterprise. It dismantled well-structured societies, imposed arbitrary borders, stole natural resources and pitted ethnic groups against one another to divide and rule. The very chaos and underdevelopment often blamed on Africans today are direct consequences of this historical sabotage.

Yet, amid the ruins, Africa’s spirit was never broken.

African Leaders Advocating for Self-Reliance and Unity
Across the ages, a cadre of fearless African leaders emerged to confront neocolonialism and resurrect the dream of a self-determined continent. These were not mere politicians, they were revolutionaries, thinkers and builders.

Thomas Sankara, the martyred President of Burkina Faso, remains one of the most iconic voices against foreign domination. He warned, “He who feeds you, controls you.” Sankara rejected dependency on Western aid, choosing instead to launch agricultural reforms, nationalize land and promote local industries. His vision was clear: true liberation begins with economic independence.

He also exposed the deceptive nature of imperialism: “Imperialism often occurs in more subtle forms like a loan, food aid, blackmail.” His words ring truer today, as many African economies are buried under unsustainable debt and politically motivated aid packages.

Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s transformational leader, has demonstrated that African nations can rise from the ashes of genocide through homegrown solutions. He declared, “In Africa today, we recognize that trade and investment and not aid, are pillars of development.” Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has embraced technology, promoted gender equality and prioritized good governance, becoming a beacon of possibility on a continent that has suffered relentless mischaracterization.

Muammar Gaddafi, controversial but undeniably visionary, imagined a “United States of Africa.” He sought a single African currency, passport and military force—tools that could end external manipulation and promote Pan-African strength. Though his methods were divisive and his end tragic, Gaddafi’s dream for African unity remains relevant and necessary.

These leaders flawed yet courageous yet understood a fundamental truth: Africa’s future cannot be outsourced.

The Path Forward: Rewriting the African Script
To reclaim Africa’s narrative, Africans must take control of the pen. The stories we tell, the policies we adopt and the vision we cast must be authentically African and unapologetically bold.

1. Promote Pan-African Unity
The 55 nations of Africa must act as one. Whether confronting climate change, foreign exploitation or security threats, UNITY is our STRONGEST weapon. Regional integration through platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a step in the right direction, but integration must go beyond economics; it must be ideological, cultural and political. Africa must speak with one voice in the global arena.

2. Invest in Education and Innovation
An education system that glorifies colonial figures while ignoring Africa’s own thinkers is complicit in mental slavery. Curricula across Africa must teach our history of our heroes, our philosophers and our scientists. From Imhotep of Egypt to Cheikh Anta Diop of Senegal, Africa has produced intellectual giants. We must train a generation that is technologically competent, globally competitive and deeply rooted in its heritage.

3. Celebrate Cultural Heritage
Our languages, clothing, music and rituals are not primitive relics, they are treasures. The Yoruba, Swahili, Hausa, Zulu and many other languages must be preserved, promoted and passed on. Cultural pride is not merely symbolic. It is the foundation of psychological liberation. Africans must stop measuring progress by how closely they resemble the West.

4. Strengthen Governance and Institutions
Corruption, weak institutions and authoritarianism are cancers eating away at Africa’s future. But they are not intrinsic to African DNA, they are the legacy of extractive colonial structures. We must dismantle those legacies. Transparent elections, independent judiciaries, press freedom and civic engagement are not luxuries; they are necessities. Democracy must be African-owned and people-driven.

5. Reduce Dependency on External Aid
No nation becomes great by surviving on handouts. Aid often comes with strings attached, strings that entangle sovereignty. Africa must mobilize its resources from agriculture and minerals to youth and innovation and to build sustainable economies. Local production, regional value chains and intra-African trade are the way forward.

Reclaiming the Mind: The Final Frontier
Colonialism did not only conquer land, it colonized the mind. Until we unlearn inferiority and embrace the richness of our identity, progress will remain elusive. Frantz Fanon warned, “The colonized can see only one solution: to rise in arms and reclaim his humanity.” Today’s weapons, however, are not guns but ideas. Our battle is against ignorance, division and dependency.

The media must stop portraying Africa as a CONTINENT of DESPAIR. African writers, filmmakers, academics and entrepreneurs must tell their own stories. Platforms like Nollywood, Afrobeat, African Literature and tech startups are already rewriting perceptions, but more must be done.

Lastly: Inventing the Future
The lie that Africans cannot govern themselves has been shattered by history, resilience and the defiant march of time. The continent that gave birth to humanity is more than capable of shaping its own destiny.

As Thomas Sankara passionately declared, “We must dare to invent the future.” That future is one where Africans are united not just by geography but by purpose. A future where the youth are empowered, the elders respected, the culture celebrated and the leadership accountable.

Africa is not a victim, it is a victor in waiting. It needs no savior from the outside. The answer lies within: in its people, its traditions, its resources and its unyielding spirit.

The time to reclaim the narrative is now. The time to rise, to build…to lead is now!