The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for addressing President Bola Tinubu by his first name, accusing the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate of allowing political ambition to undermine his statesmanship.
The council’s spokesperson and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, made the criticism in a statement on Monday, saying Atiku had failed to demonstrate the decorum and respect expected of a former vice-president and an aspirant to the nation’s highest office.
Alake said Atiku had repeatedly referred to the President as “Bola” while describing his administration as a “Yahoo Yahoo” government and accusing it of dishonesty. He also faulted the former vice-president over remarks insinuating that Tinubu did not attend school.
According to the APC campaign council, Atiku’s conduct fell short of the standards expected of political leaders, particularly those who had previously occupied high public offices and were seeking the presidency.
The statement said Atiku had allowed political animosity and ambition to affect his public utterances since losing the 2023 presidential election.
Despite its criticism, the council urged APC leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue according Atiku the respect and courtesies due to him as a former vice-president and presidential candidate.
Alake said the APC campaign would not be drawn into what it described as disrespectful political conduct, insisting that its focus would remain on issues affecting Nigerians, the party’s programmes and Tinubu’s record in office.
He added that the campaign would highlight the administration’s efforts to move the country from economic reforms to prosperity as the President seeks a second term in 2027.
