If you thought student politics in Nigeria was all about debates, manifestos, and campus camaraderie, think again. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) convention took an unexpected turn this Wednesday, evolving from a democratic gathering into a political thriller, complete with cash rain, hired disruptors, and flying stones.
The convention, which kicked off on Tuesday, welcomed delegates from various campuses, state executives, and enthusiastic candidates, all eager to take part in what should have been a defining moment for student leadership. But by Wednesday afternoon, we recorded it live as the event gradually morphed into a chaotic spectacle that left onlookers questioning the future of student politics in Nigeria.
The twist in the plot came when one of the NANS member from Gombe State played host to a group of Fulani men under a big tree at AGURA HOTEL’s compound, opposite the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Mohamodu Buhari way, ABUJA—the same hotel where key stakeholders and executives had been lodged since Tuesday. What happened next was nothing short of a political blockbuster.
After some minutes of gathering, this member of Gombe State delegates came out sharing wads of N500 notes were being among the Fulani men, with their leader acting as the ultimate ‘cashier,’ ensuring that everyone got their fair share of the spoils. Cheers and jubilation erupted as money exchanged hands, transforming the hotel’s serene atmosphere into a scene resembling a carnival.
Meanwhile, at Kapita Klub, Asokoro—the designated venue for accreditation—delegates were gearing up for the crucial process when the drama unfolded. A North East-affiliated coaster bus that left AGURA HOTEL loaded with supporter, made an inconspicuous arrival. However, among its occupants were not just students but some of the newly recruited ‘special guests’ from the Fulani clan that were given money at the AGURA HOTEL, Abuja.
The confusion began when these uninvited Fulani guests casually strolled into the accreditation centre as though they were students preparing to cast to support their leaders. But their mission wasn’t about democratic participation—it was disruption, and they wasted no time proving it.
Before anyone could piece together what was happening, chaos erupted. Stones flew through the air like missiles, delegates scattered, and the once-orderly accreditation process spiraled into a violent frenzy. It was a scene straight out of an action movie—except this was real life, and the actors were supposed to be students, not street brawlers.
The Fulani men—who had no academic affiliations were seeing engaging in heated confrontations, forcing security personnel to scramble into action. The question is: Why will this Gombe State delegates mastermind this brazen act, and why is student leadership now entangled in such desperation for power?
At the event, we recorded one aggrieved delegate, drenched in sweat and visibly shaken, lamented, “Is this what we have reduced student leadership to? How do we explain this madness? Outsiders being used to sabotage an accreditation of election that should determine the future of Nigerian students? This is a disgrace!”
Another attendee that was being questioned but still dodging projectiles, could barely contain his frustration. “We came here expecting a fair process of accreditation, but instead, we got a Nollywood blockbuster. This is beyond politics—it’s a full-blown power struggle.” He said.
With the accreditation process left in shambles, the credibility of the convention is now under serious scrutiny. Will NANS rise from this scandal, or is this the final nail in the coffin for student democracy? More importantly, if elections at the student level are already this intense, what does that say about the future of leadership in Nigeria?
As the dust settles and the stones stop flying, one thing is certain—this NANS convention will go down in history, not for its commitment to democracy, but for its sheer theatrics. And as for the mysterious NANS member who orchestrated this high-stakes political stunt? Well, the search for answers continues.
