A former Presidential spokesman, Akin Osuntokun, has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his Independence Day speech.
He described Atiku’s repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” in the address as disrespectful and an affront to the presidency.
Naija News reports that Osuntokun expressed his concerns in a statement on Thursday.
Osuntokun, who also served as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign during the 2023 election, said Atiku had the right to criticise Tinubu but objected to his decision to use the President’s first name.
According to him, Atiku was free to criticise the President, regardless of how strongly he disagreed with him. However, he said repeatedly calling Tinubu “Bola” was unnecessary and disrespectful.
He said the action did not make Atiku’s argument more compelling but instead amounted to an avoidable display of disrespect.
“This is not acceptable. It is primarily an insult to Nigeria on whose account he occupies that office,” Osuntokun said.
He pointed out that Tinubu is Nigeria’s elected President and occupies the same office that Atiku had previously sought to secure.
The former presidential spokesman added that Nigerians and political groups dissatisfied with Tinubu’s leadership have lawful constitutional and democratic options available to them.
According to him, those who believe the President should leave office can pursue legitimate processes, including impeachment or defeating him through the ballot.
He stressed that until such a process takes place, Tinubu remains entitled to the recognition and privileges attached to the presidency.
Osuntokun clarified that his comments were not an appeal for Nigerians to support Tinubu’s policies or personality.
Rather, he said his concern was the need for proper conduct in public discussions and respect for the institution of the presidency.
He maintained that anyone seeking the support of Nigerians to occupy the presidential seat should demonstrate regard for the office, even when the person currently holding it is a political rival.
“Imagine a former Vice President referring throughout a national address to a sitting President as ‘Segun’ or ‘Mohammadu’. The rudeness would be unmistakable,” he said.
Osuntokun’s remarks come amid continued political disagreements between opposition figures and the Tinubu administration as political activities surrounding the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.
