Lagos APC Blows Hot, Accuses Atiku of Disrespecting Tinubu Over First Name

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu by his first name, describing the practice as deliberate disrespect for the presidency.

The party accused Atiku and some of his political associates of disregarding the conventions associated with public office, insisting that political rivalry should not be an excuse for abandoning civility in public discourse.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, argued that Atiku’s conduct went beyond personal preference or a choice of words, claiming that it raised questions about his respect for democratic institutions.

Oladejo said Atiku, having served as vice-president, should understand the symbolic importance of the presidency as an institution representing Nigeria’s sovereignty and the collective will of its citizens.

He maintained that political disagreements did not justify what he described as deliberate discourtesy towards the occupant of the nation’s highest office.

“Political disagreement does not confer a licence for deliberate discourtesy, and opposition does not cancel the obligation to show respect for the highest office in the land,” the statement read.

The Lagos APC also expressed concern over the alleged adoption of the same practice by some of Atiku’s aides and political associates, arguing that it could create the impression of a coordinated attempt to undermine Tinubu’s standing.

However, the party acknowledged that the President’s policies, decisions and performance remained legitimate subjects of public scrutiny, stressing that opposition parties were entitled to challenge his administration and present alternative approaches to governance.

It, however, insisted that criticism of government policies should be distinguished from what it described as a refusal to accord the presidency appropriate recognition during formal public engagements.

According to Oladejo, titles such as president, former president, vice-president and former vice-president serve purposes beyond personal courtesy, as they reflect the dignity of public office, institutional continuity and the responsibilities associated with leadership.

The APC spokesman also questioned whether Atiku would consider it appropriate for his political opponents to address him during formal engagements without acknowledging his status as a former vice-president.

“Respect cannot be a one-way street, selectively demanded for oneself and deliberately withheld from a political opponent,” he said.

The party warned that the controversy was unfolding against the backdrop of heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, urging political leaders to exercise restraint and promote civility.

It argued that the repeated use of the President’s first name in circumstances it considered deliberately dismissive could encourage contempt for public institutions and deepen political divisions.

Oladejo challenged Atiku to demonstrate the statesmanship expected of a former occupant of the country’s second-highest political office by focusing on policy alternatives and evidence-based criticism of the Tinubu administration.

“If Atiku believes that President Tinubu has failed Nigerians, he should make that case with facts, evidence, policy alternatives and a compelling vision for the country,” the statement said.

The Lagos APC maintained that Nigerians deserved a political contest centred on ideas, governance programmes and competing visions for national development rather than what it described as a decline in political etiquette.

It stressed that Atiku and other opposition figures had every right to challenge Tinubu’s administration but should not allow political rivalry to undermine what the party considers appropriate recognition of the presidency.

“The presidency is bigger than the individual who occupies it. Today, it is President Tinubu; tomorrow, another Nigerian will occupy that office,” the statement added.

The party urged Atiku to caution his political associates, arguing that anyone aspiring to occupy the presidency should demonstrate an understanding of the dignity, discipline and responsibilities attached to the office.

It added that the 2027 general election should be about identifying the candidate best equipped to serve Nigerians, rather than disputes over conventions associated with public office