Former presidential spokesman Akin Osuntokun has expressed disapproval of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's decision to repeatedly refer to President Bola Tinubu as "Bola" during his Independence Day address. Osuntokun, who served as the Director-General of Peter Obi's 2023 presidential campaign, argued that this manner of addressing the President was disrespectful to the office he occupies. He made these remarks in a statement on October 1, amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Osuntokun emphasized that Atiku has every right to criticize Tinubu and his administration, but stressed that addressing the President by his first name was uncalled for. He noted that his longstanding cordial relationship with Atiku had made him reluctant to criticize the former Vice President harshly. However, he could not condone Atiku's repeated use of "Bola" during his address, describing it as a "needless display of disrespect." Osuntokun's criticism focused specifically on Atiku's manner of addressing Tinubu.
According to Osuntokun, addressing the President by his first name is an affront to the institution of the presidency. He argued that Tinubu's position as Nigeria's elected President means that criticism of his policies should be separated from respect for the office. Osuntokun stressed that his position should not be interpreted as support for Tinubu's policies or personality, but as an appeal for decorum in political discourse and respect for the institution of the presidency.
To illustrate his argument, Osuntokun cited examples of former Vice Presidents referring to sitting Presidents by their first names. He asked Nigerians to imagine a former Vice President repeatedly referring to a sitting President as "Segun" or "Mohammadu" throughout a national address. Osuntokun noted that such behavior would be considered rude and unmistakable.
Osuntokun also noted that those dissatisfied with Tinubu's administration have constitutional and democratic avenues through which they can seek political change. He emphasized that anyone seeking Nigerians' mandate to occupy the presidency should demonstrate respect for the office, including when a political opponent is occupying it. According to Osuntokun, those who believe Tinubu is unfit for office have legitimate ways to pursue his removal.
Atiku, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, is among opposition figures positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest. Osuntokun's comments come amid heightened political exchanges between the Tinubu administration and opposition figures as parties and political actors prepare for the next general election. The criticism from Osuntokun is significant, given his experience as a presidential spokesman.
The exchange between Osuntokun and Atiku highlights the growing tensions and politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections. Key points include Osuntokun's criticism of Atiku's manner of addressing Tinubu, his emphasis on respect for the institution of the presidency, and the broader implications for political discourse in Nigeria.
Key points
- Osuntokun criticizes Atiku for addressing Tinubu by his first name
- The criticism highlights the growing tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections
- Osuntokun emphasizes the importance of respect for the institution of the presidency
