‘It’s an Insult to Nigeria’ — Osuntokun Slams Atiku Over Tinubu Reference

Former presidential spokesman Akin Osuntokun has criticised African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” during his Independence Day address.

Osuntokun expressed his concerns in a statement issued on Thursday, stressing that Atiku had every right to criticise Tinubu’s administration but should maintain respect for the office of the President.

The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign said he found Atiku’s repeated use of Tinubu’s first name inappropriate, arguing that it did not make his criticism more effective.

Osuntokun said political disagreements should not diminish respect for public institutions, particularly the presidency.

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He noted that Tinubu was the elected President of Nigeria and currently occupied the same office that Atiku had sought to win through previous presidential elections.

According to him, Nigerians who believe Tinubu should no longer remain in office have constitutional and democratic avenues through which they can seek political change.

He mentioned impeachment, where applicable under the Constitution, and electoral defeat as legitimate mechanisms for replacing a sitting president.

Osuntokun emphasised that his comments were not intended to defend Tinubu’s policies or personality. Instead, he said he was advocating for decorum in political discourse and respect for the institution of the presidency.

He argued that anyone seeking Nigerians’ mandate to become president should demonstrate respect for the office even when the occupant is a political rival.

Osuntokun also drew a hypothetical comparison, asking how Nigerians would react if a former vice president repeatedly referred to a sitting president by his first name throughout a national address.

He argued that such language would generally be regarded as discourteous.

The former presidential spokesman concluded that Atiku’s choice of words had raised questions for him about the judgment and temperament the ADC candidate would bring to the presidency if elected.

The comments add to the political exchanges involving leading figures ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.