ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his decision to address President Bola Tinubu by his first name, describing the action as disrespectful to the office of the President.
The council, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, said Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, had failed to demonstrate the level of decorum and statesmanship expected of a former vice president and an aspirant to the nation’s highest office.
The statement, titled “Public Concerns Over Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Indiscretion and Disregard for President Tinubu,” said the former vice president’s conduct had raised concerns about his attitude towards constituted authority.
According to the APC campaign council, Atiku’s approach to political engagement since losing the 2023 presidential election had been influenced by political animosity and ambition at the expense of statesmanship.
“Since Alhaji Atiku lost the last presidential election, he has allowed political animosity and uncontrollable ambition to rob him of the statesmanship that should guide his public conduct and utterances,” the statement said.
The council further accused the former vice president of setting a poor example for younger politicians, arguing that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of someone seeking to lead the country.
Despite its criticism, the APC campaign council urged its leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue treating Atiku with respect, noting that he remained a former vice president and a presidential candidate.
It said the ruling party would not adopt what it described as Atiku’s approach to political engagement, citing its commitment to progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect.
“As a party grounded in progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect, our campaign council will not follow Alhaji Atiku’s path,” the statement added.
The council also said its campaign would concentrate on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal exchanges with political opponents.
It pledged to promote the APC’s programmes, highlight Tinubu’s achievements and explain how his administration intended to translate its ongoing reforms into prosperity as the President seeks re-election for a second term.
“Our campaign will focus on issues important to Nigerians. We will sell our party programmes, President Bola Tinubu’s achievements in office, and how the administration is moving Nigeria from reforms to prosperity,” the statement said.