Akin Osuntokun, a former presidential campaign director-general for Peter Obi, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu simply as “Bola”.
Mr Osuntokun said Atiku had every right to criticise the president and his administration, but argued that repeatedly addressing a sitting president by his first name during a national address was disrespectful to the office.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr Osuntokun said his longstanding relationship with Atiku had made him reluctant to criticise the former vice-president, but that his choice of words had crossed a line.
“Abubakar is entitled to criticise the President, however sharply. What I found objectionable was his repeated decision to call him ‘Bola’,” he said.
“That was not a more forceful argument; it was a needless display of disrespect.”
Mr Osuntokun, who served as director-general of Mr Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, said President Tinubu was the elected president of Nigeria and therefore entitled to the privileges and courtesies attached to the office.
He stressed that his comments were not a defence of Mr Tinubu’s policies or personality, but rather an appeal for decorum and respect for the institution of the presidency.
“Those who believe he is unfit for it have legitimate ways to pursue his removal: impeachment or defeat at the ballot box. Until then, Tinubu is entitled to the privileges of his office,” he said.
Mr Osuntokun further argued that anyone seeking the presidency should demonstrate respect for the office, including when it is occupied by a political opponent.
He said Atiku’s repeated use of “Bola” raised questions about the approach he would bring to the presidency if elected, although the comments were his own assessment.
Atiku, who served as vice-president from 1999 to 2007, is among the major opposition figures contesting the 2027 presidential election, while Tinubu is seeking another term in office.
