The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dismissed reports suggesting that it is backing the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest being organized by presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
A statement, last week, purportedly from NANS, said the student union body resolved to back the protest. The statement said the decision was reached at a recent national executive meeting of NANS, which reaffirmed the association’s “commitment to peaceful advocacy for justice and democratic accountability.”
However, addressing the media in Abuja, NANS president, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, dismissed the report, saying the report was fabricated to taint the reputation of the student body and present it as irresponsible.
“As a responsible students’ body, NANS recognizes that it would be inappropriate and unlawful to take a partisan stance or mobilize action on a case already before the judiciary.
“We therefore disassociate ourselves from any group or individuals linking the Association or its leadership to any planned protest on Nnamdi Kanu’s trial,” remarked the Comrade.
He continued, “We wish to state unequivocally that NANS has not declared, endorsed, or participated in any protest whatsoever relating to the ongoing case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The leadership of NANS has not taken any official position on the matter, as we fully understand that it remains a legal issue pending before a competent court of law.”
According to the NANS leader, “the only activity officially scheduled by NANS for October 20th, 2025, is a Peaceful Awareness Rally Against Illicit Drug Use and Abuse,” stressing, “our mission on October 20 is simple — to save lives and raise awareness against drug abuse, not to engage in political agitation.
“This event is part of our nationwide campaign to sensitize Nigerian youths, especially students, on the dangers of drug abuse and to promote a culture of sound mental health, discipline, and productivity among the young population.”
Stated Olushola, “NANS is focused on constructive, peaceful, and development-oriented engagements that will secure a better future for Nigerian students and the nation at large. We urge the general public, the media, and security agencies to disregard any publication or post claiming otherwise.
“NANS remains committed to constructive engagements, peaceful advocacy, and national development initiatives that align with the collective progress of Nigerian students and the country at large,” he declared.
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