… challenges them on facts, policy alternatives, clear national vision
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his first name during public engagements.
The party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, in a press release on Monday, accused Atiku and some aides of disregarding the conventions of public office, describing the practice as disrespectful and unbecoming of a former vice president.
He said it raised concerns about respect for the presidency and national institutions, rather than reflecting personal familiarity or grammatical preference.
Oladejo said Atiku, having served as vice president, should understand the constitutional significance of the presidency and maintain decorum regardless of political affiliation. He warned that repeatedly using Tinubu’s first name in formal settings could create the impression of an attempt to diminish the office.
The spokesman acknowledged that Tinubu’s policies and performance were legitimate subjects of scrutiny, and that opposition parties had the right to challenge his administration and propose alternatives, distinguishing policy criticism from refusing to accord the presidency appropriate recognition.
He questioned whether Atiku would accept opponents disregarding his status as a former vice president, insisting that respect should not be selectively demanded or withheld. Amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 election, Oladejo urged political leaders to promote civility and prevent partisan rivalry from undermining public institutions.
He challenged Atiku to focus criticism of the Tinubu administration on facts, evidence, policy alternatives and a clear national vision, saying voters deserved “a contest of ideas and competing policy proposals” rather than disputes over political etiquette.
“The presidency is bigger than the individual who occupies it,” Oladejo said, adding that respecting the office under the current administration would protect its future occupants.
He urged Atiku to call his associates to order and lead by example, saying the 2027 election should focus on candidates’ capacity to serve Nigerians rather than disregard for public-office conventions.
