APC faults Atiku for addressing President Tinubu as ‘Bola’, calls it disrespectful

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for addressing President Bola Tinubu by his first name, ‘Bola’, describing the remark as disrespectful to the office of the President.

Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said in a statement on Monday that Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), should demonstrate greater decorum in his public conduct.

The council said it was concerned that Atiku had chosen to address the President on a first-name basis, arguing that his position as a former vice-president and presidential aspirant demanded a higher standard of conduct.

“While a higher standard of decorum, decency and deference to constituted authorities is expected from a former Vice President of Nigeria and an aspirant to the highest office in the country, we are concerned that the ADC Presidential candidate has not lived up to those expectations,” the statement reads.

The APC campaign council also accused Atiku of allowing political rivalry and ambition to influence his public utterances since losing the last presidential election.

However, the council urged its leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue showing Atiku the courtesies due to him as a former vice-president and presidential candidate, despite its objection to his remarks about Tinubu.

It said the ruling party would not adopt what it described as Atiku’s approach to political conduct.

“As a party grounded in progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect, our campaign council will not follow Alhaji Atiku’s path,” Alake said.