The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has said its spokespersons and party members will maintain respect for constituted authority and political protocol, following controversy over former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his first name.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, the council criticised Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over what it described as a disregard for the dignity of the presidency.
The council argued that a former vice-president and presidential aspirant should demonstrate a high level of decorum, restraint and statesmanship in public engagements, particularly when addressing the sitting President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
It expressed concern over Atiku’s decision to address Tinubu as “Bola”, describing the action as inconsistent with the respect and courtesy expected of a former occupant of high public office.
The APC campaign council further accused Atiku of allowing political rivalry and personal ambition to influence his public conduct since losing the last presidential election.
According to the statement, the former vice-president’s approach falls short of the standard of political behaviour expected from senior political leaders and could set an undesirable example for younger politicians.
The council, however, urged APC leaders, campaign spokespersons, party members and support groups to accord Atiku the respect and courtesies due to him as a former vice-president and presidential candidate, irrespective of political differences.
It said the ruling party would not adopt what it characterised as Atiku’s approach to political engagement, insisting that its campaign would remain guided by progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect.
The council also sought to shift attention from the controversy to its proposed campaign agenda, saying it would concentrate on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal exchanges between political leaders.
It stated that its campaign would highlight the APC’s programmes, Tinubu’s record in office and the administration’s efforts to translate ongoing economic reforms into improved prosperity for Nigerians.
The council said these issues would form the centrepiece of Tinubu’s bid for a second term, adding that the party intended to present its policies and achievements to voters as the political contest approaches.
The statement comes amid heightened political exchanges between leading figures ahead of the next presidential election, with questions of political conduct, public accountability and competing policy agendas increasingly featuring in party communications.
