NANS denies #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, reaffirms belief in rule of law, peace, and warns students to avoid political manipulation by self-serving activists.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly stated that it has no connection with any planned protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanu, reiterating its belief in lawful, peaceful, and responsible civic conduct.
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the association’s President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said NANS denies #FreeNnamdiKanu protest and has nothing to do with any political group or individual promoting it.
Oladoja described as false and mischievous the viral social media claims suggesting that the national students’ body was mobilizing for a nationwide protest scheduled for October 20.
He warned that the attempt to link NANS to politically motivated activities was a deliberate effort to tarnish the association’s reputation and mislead the public.
According to him, NANS is an independent, patriotic, and law-abiding organization that stands for peace, progress, and unity.
The association, he explained, was established to defend the rights of Nigerian students, advocate quality education, and promote youth development—not to serve as a tool for political agitation.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading narrative currently circulating on social media claiming that NANS is planning to organize or participate in a so-called ‘#FreeNnamdiKanu Protest’ on October 20,” Oladoja said.
“We wish to state categorically that NANS denies #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in its entirety. We are not, and will not be, part of any protest organized or influenced by Omoyele Sowore or any other politically motivated group.”
The NANS President emphasized that the issue concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains a legal matter before a competent court of law.
Therefore, it would be inappropriate for NANS to take sides or engage in any protest while the case is still under judicial consideration.
He noted that NANS believes strongly in the rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement as the foundation for national stability and justice.
“As students, we have a moral and civic duty to respect the laws of the land and allow the judiciary to perform its constitutional role without undue interference,” Oladoja said.
He accused Sowore and other political actors of attempting to exploit the name of NANS to gain public attention and legitimacy for their self-serving agendas.
“Whatever Mr. Sowore and his group are planning or doing is for their political interest and has absolutely nothing to do with NANS,” he declared.
“We urge him and his co-travelers to desist from using our association’s name to give credibility to their politically driven activities.”
Oladoja also issued a strong warning to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards not to be deceived into joining any protest promoted by individuals or groups whose real motive is personal gain rather than public interest.
He described such actors as greedy and opportunistic, preying on the energy of young people for political visibility while abandoning them when trouble arises.
The NANS leader reiterated that the association’s focus remains on educational development, youth empowerment, and promoting peace across campuses nationwide.
He noted that NANS has consistently prioritized dialogue and constructive engagement with relevant authorities to address the challenges facing the education sector, such as poor infrastructure, funding, and students’ welfare.
“Our focus as a responsible organization remains the pursuit of academic excellence, youth empowerment, peace, and national unity,” he said.
“We are fully committed to fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring that the voice of Nigerian students is heard where it matters most.”
Oladoja urged the general public, security agencies, and media organizations to disregard any publication or online message claiming that NANS is mobilizing for a politically motivated protest.
He assured that the association remains loyal to the values of nonviolence, lawful conduct, and constructive advocacy.
He further expressed the association’s readiness to cooperate with government institutions, security agencies, and development partners to create opportunities that will positively shape the future of Nigerian students.
“NANS has a sacred responsibility to defend the interest of Nigerian students, not to engage in political protests or street confrontations,” Oladoja noted.
The NANS President restated that the association would continue to adopt democratic methods such as dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful demonstration only when necessary and devoid of external political influence.
He added that genuine progress can only be achieved through cooperation and mutual respect between the government and the youth, not through chaos or violence.
“We stand for unity, peace, and responsible citizenship. NANS denies #FreeNnamdiKanu protest and any attempt to drag our name into partisan conflicts,” Oladoja affirmed.
“Our mission is to protect students’ welfare, promote education, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Oladoja concluded by reaffirming NANS’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and the values of accountability, transparency, and patriotism.
He said the association would not be distracted by false propaganda or politically sponsored misinformation.
“NANS remains a united, patriotic, and law-abiding organization committed to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and prosperity.
“We shall continue to defend the interest of Nigerian students through lawful advocacy and constructive dialogue, not through political manipulation or sponsored protests,” he concluded.
Through this strong statement, NANS denies #FreeNnamdiKanu protest once again and reasserts its position as a responsible, nonpartisan students’ body that values peace, discipline, and democratic order.
The association’s message to the Nigerian public is clear: NANS belongs to the students of Nigeria, not to politicians or power brokers seeking relevance through controversy.
