APC Slams Atiku For Addressing Tinubu As ‘Bola’

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

The council accused Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of failing to demonstrate the statesmanship expected of a former vice president and an aspirant to the nation’s highest office.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, said the party had followed public reactions to what it described as Atiku’s indiscretion and disregard for the presidency.

Alake said Atiku’s decision to address the President as “Bola” fell short of the decorum and respect expected from a former occupant of high public office.

He alleged that political animosity and ambition had affected Atiku’s public conduct and utterances since losing the last presidential election.

According to the statement, the council believes that political leaders should demonstrate responsible conduct and serve as examples to younger generations of politicians.

Despite its criticism of Atiku, the APC campaign council said it had urged its leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to accord the former vice president the respect and courtesies due to his former office and status as a presidential candidate.

The council said it would not adopt what it described as Atiku’s approach to political engagement.

“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.

He added that the APC’s campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal exchanges with political opponents.

According to him, the party intends to highlight its programmes, Tinubu’s achievements in office and what it described as the administration’s efforts to move Nigeria from economic reforms to prosperity.

Alake said the campaign would seek a second-term mandate for Tinubu by presenting the administration’s record and plans to Nigerians.