The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has faulted former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his continued use of President Bola Tinubu’s first name, describing his approach as inconsistent with the conduct expected of a former occupant of the nation’s second-highest office.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals and spokesperson for the APC campaign council, expressed the party’s displeasure in a statement on Monday. He argued that Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress, should demonstrate greater restraint in his public comments.
The disagreement follows Atiku’s repeated references to Tinubu as “Bola” without the presidential title. The former vice-president has also labelled the administration a “Yahoo Yahoo” government, accused it of making false claims and raised questions about the President’s educational background.
Alake said the APC had chosen not to respond to the dispute by abandoning political courtesy. He disclosed that party officials, members and affiliated support groups had been encouraged to maintain respect for Atiku because of his previous service as vice-president and his participation in presidential contests.
According to the minister, the council believes political rivalry should not prevent public figures from observing standards of conduct expected in public office. He accused Atiku of allowing his disagreements with the President and his pursuit of another presidential mandate to shape his statements.
Alake also argued that politicians seeking the country’s highest office should provide a positive example for younger Nigerians entering politics.
He added that the APC would direct its campaign towards matters of public concern rather than personal exchanges with its opponents.
The campaign council plans to promote the party’s policies, present what it considers the achievements of Tinubu’s administration and explain its strategy for turning ongoing economic changes into improved living conditions for Nigerians ahead of the next presidential election.
