We won’t follow your path’ – APC Presidential Campaign Council hits Atiku for calling Tinubu ‘Bola’

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for  addressing President Bola Tinubu by his first name “Bola.”

A statement signed by the Council’s spokesman, Dele Alake accused Atiku of being disrespectful to the Office of the President.

Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, had defended himself for addressing Tinubu as Bola.

He argued that it is Tinubu’s name and that doing so was not disrespectful.

“That is his name. He has no other name. His name is Bola, and he should be called Bola,” Shaibu said.

However, Alake accused Atiku of allowing political rivalry to influence his public conduct since losing the 2023 presidential election.

He said the council has directed APC leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to accord Atiku the respect due to a former Vice President and presidential candidate despite not showing same to Tinubu.

Parts of the statement read: “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 by his unbecoming decision to address the President of Nigeria on a first-name basis as ‘Bola.’

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