NANS: Obasanjo’s Political Playbook Reveals Tinubu’s plan

On Saturday, April 6, 2025, Nigerian comedian Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, shared an eye-opening conversation he had with former President Olusegun Obasanjo during an appearance on the Outside the Box podcast.

While the interview was filled with political anecdotes, one key revelation stood out lespecially for anyone paying attention to youth influence in Nigerian politics: the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is more than just a student union; it’s a powerful political tool.

According to Alibaba, Obasanjo laid bare a framework of how elections are truly won in Nigeria, not just by campaigning or having the right manifesto, but by strategically gaining control over institutions, governors, and crucial social blocs. One of those blocs? NANS.

Obasanjo reportedly emphasized that any serious presidential candidate must secure the support of highly organized groups such as NANS, market women, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and more. His reason was clear: influence. Mobilization. Numbers.

And here’s where it gets real: as we approach another election season with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu potentially eyeing a second term, these strategies are not just theory, they’re already being activated.

Let’s be honest. For decades, students in Nigeria have been dismissed as a noisy but disorganized demographic. Yet, if there’s one thing Obasanjo’s political wisdom reveals, it’s that this demographic has real weight. NANS represents millions of students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges. But beyond the numbers lies something deeper–energy, voice, and influence on public discourse.

That’s why politicians, especially incumbents like President Tinubu, will be looking to secure student support long before 2027. In a country where youth make up more than 60% of the population, no one wants to be caught off guard by an “unruly” student base mobilizing protests, dominating social media, or swaying public opinion.

Alibaba quoted Obasanjo saying:

“Get NANS, market women, NURTW. Unsettle organised labour.”

That wasn’t a careless statement, it was calculated. For a presidential candidate, aligning with groups like NANS is not just about support, it’s about protection. During ASUU strikes, school fee protests, or national unrest, NANS can either be a force for stability or a thorn in the flesh. So, politicians would rather have them on the inside, not outside.

Even more revealing was Obasanjo’s broader blueprint for election success. From securing seven powerful governors to taking control of critical national institutions (like the CBN and NNPC), Obasanjo explained how every piece of the political chessboard matters, including youth associations.

He even encouraged leveraging international support and financial influence to sway public and institutional loyalty.

With Obasanjo’s playbook now public, many are beginning to connect the dots. Tinubu’s administration has shown increasing interest in youth engagement, launching educational reform panels, student loan schemes, and quiet meetings with student leaders. 

Atiku Isah, the factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has now withdrawn his earlier claims against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He admitted the allegations were not only untrue but were also instigated.

This comes after Isah had accused Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, of offering him a N100 million bribe in Lagos to endorse the President. Seyi Tinubu had firmly denied the allegations when they first surfaced.

But these moves may not be just about educational progress; they could also be political positioning.

If Tinubu does run for re-election, he’ll need more than just the usual voter base, he’ll need strong foot soldiers. That includes students who can speak in classrooms, trend hashtags, and lead campus dialogues. NANS, in this scenario, becomes a high-value ally.

And if Obasanjo’s political strategies hold any weight (which history proves they do), then whoever controls NANS controls a powerful election lever.

In conclusion, students in Nigeria are no longer just book carriers, they’re nation shapers. And while it’s easy to overlook their role in the political game, Obasanjo’s insider talk reminds us of just how central youth movements like NANS are to the future of leadership in Nigeria.

As 2027 inches closer, don’t just watch what politicians say. Watch who they’re sitting with, especially in student circles.