Former presidential spokesman Akin Osuntokun has faulted ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” in his Independence Day speech.
Osuntokun, who served as Director-General of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign in 2023, expressed his reservations in a statement issued on Thursday.
He acknowledged that Atiku was entitled to criticise Tinubu and his government, including making strong political arguments against the administration.
However, Osuntokun said he found the former vice president’s decision to repeatedly use Tinubu’s first name objectionable.
He argued that the choice of language did not strengthen Atiku’s criticism and instead represented an unnecessary display of disrespect towards the office of the President.
Osuntokun noted that Tinubu was Nigeria’s elected President and that the office carried privileges that should be respected regardless of political differences.
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He also pointed out that Atiku had previously sought to occupy the same office and should therefore appreciate the importance of respecting the institution.
According to Osuntokun, Nigerians who believe Tinubu should leave office have legitimate constitutional and democratic mechanisms available to them.
He identified impeachment and electoral defeat as possible routes for achieving political change, depending on the circumstances and applicable constitutional procedures.
The former spokesman stressed that he was not asking Nigerians to support Tinubu or agree with his policies.
Instead, he said politicians should maintain decorum when discussing opponents and distinguish criticism of a government from disrespect for public institutions.
Osuntokun further argued that presidential aspirants should demonstrate respect for the presidency even when they disagree with the person occupying it.
He said Atiku’s choice of words had caused him to question the judgment and temperament he might bring to the presidency.
The comments add another dimension to the political debate surrounding Atiku, Tinubu and the emerging contest ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
