Atiku Isa, president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has said President Bola Tinubu could face imprisonment after leaving office.
Isa made the remark in an interview with Symfoni Media, where he criticised what he described as the misuse of state institutions by political leaders.
He said no leader remains in power forever, warning that actions taken while in office could have consequences after leaving power.
“What Tinubu should know is that, at most, even if he wins, in the next six years, he will not be president,” he said.
“Even if he wins, or rigs himself into office in 2027, he will not be president forever. So what will happen to him? If he’s not dead, he can still be in prison. He might be the first president who will be in prison.”
The NANS president said leaders must avoid using state institutions against perceived opponents, noting that such actions often have repercussions.
“Don’t use institutions against a single person. It will haunt you in the near future,” he said.
Isa referenced the case of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, saying he has no sympathy for him over his current situation.
“I do not support injustice. But personally, I would be happy for Malami to remain in prison, because that was what he did,” he said.
“He was abusing court decisions and judgments because he was AGF then. See what is happening to him now.”
Once a Powerful El-Rufai
He also cited the case of former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to illustrate how political power can diminish quickly.
“When President Muhammadu Buhari was alive, Nasir el-Rufai was very powerful. But see what is happening. Less than three years, he’s in detention today,” he said.
Isa urged leaders to act with fairness and uphold the rule of law, regardless of personal differences.
“You don’t have to like people. Even if you don’t like somebody, do the right thing. So that when you are no longer powerful, nobody will use the same institution against you,” he said.
He added that political power is transient and warned that anyone could become president in the future, stressing the need for responsible leadership.
