The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has accused activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, alongside the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, of advancing political interests under the guise of civic advocacy.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, argued that the group cannot be regarded as a neutral pressure organisation, insisting that its activities increasingly reflect political alignment.
Afeez also dismissed a report published on Sowore’s online platform which questioned his status as a student, describing it as false, misleading, and an attempt to spread misinformation. He maintained that he remains a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology.
He said the publication raises questions about the credibility and professionalism of the media platform, stressing that responsible journalism requires proper verification before publication rather than the circulation of unverified claims.
The NANS president further criticised Sowore, saying his involvement in journalism, activism, and partisan politics has blurred the lines between those roles and sparked public debate about the true nature of his engagements and those of the Take It Back Movement.
He also alleged that critics increasingly perceive the movement as politically driven rather than independent, adding that concerns have been raised in some quarters about its alleged links or sympathies with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to him, NANS will not be pressured into aligning with Sowore or the Take It Back Movement in campaigns concerning the release of abducted students and teachers across the country.
While acknowledging the efforts of organised labour groups such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in advocating for victims, he said the Take It Back Movement occupies a different position due to what he described as its political affiliations.
He noted that the individuals leading recent demonstrations are state chairmen of the African Action Congress (AAC), arguing that this further raises questions about the group’s neutrality.
Afeez urged Sowore and members of the movement to openly declare themselves as a political organisation if they intend to engage in partisan activities, rather than presenting themselves as independent advocates.
He reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to the welfare of students nationwide, saying the association will continue to demand the rescue and safe return of all abducted students and teachers.