APC criticizes Atiku for calling Tinubu 'Bola'

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has hit back at former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. They say Atiku is letting his political dreams take over his dignity by calling President Bola Tinubu just 'Bola'.

Dele Alake, the APC PCC spokesperson and Minister of Solid Minerals, made this known in a statement on Monday. He said Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, is not showing the respect expected from a former vice-president and someone aiming for the country’s top job.

Atiku has been calling the President 'Bola' instead of President Tinubu. He has also labeled Tinubu's government as a 'Yahoo Yahoo' government and accused it of dishonesty. Atiku has even hinted that the President did not go to school.

In response, Alake said the council has asked its party leaders, spokespersons, members, and support groups to keep respecting Atiku as a former vice-president and presidential candidate, despite the ongoing dispute. He also stated that the APC campaign will focus on issues affecting Nigerians, the achievements of Tinubu, and the government's work towards moving the country from reforms to prosperity.

The statement included, "We have watched the uproar and public reactions to the disrespect shown to the office of the President by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate.

"A former Vice President and someone aspiring for the highest office should show a higher standard of respect. We are worried that Atiku has not met these expectations by calling the President just 'Bola'.

"Since Atiku lost the last election, he has allowed his political anger and ambition to take away the dignity expected of him. Instead of being a role model for younger politicians, he has chosen to be an example of how not to behave in politics."

The APC PCC urged its leaders and spokespersons to respect Atiku as a former vice-president. They stressed that the campaign will focus on issues that matter to Nigerians, the party's plans, Tinubu's achievements, and how the administration aims to turn reforms into prosperity.

The statement went on, "Despite Atiku's choice to disrespect the office he wants to hold, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has called on all leaders, spokespersons, party members, and support groups to respect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a former Vice President of Nigeria and a presidential candidate.

"As a party rooted in progressive values and African traditions of respect, our campaign will not follow Atiku’s example. We will concentrate on issues that are important to Nigerians. We will promote our party's plans, President Bola Tinubu’s achievements, and how the administration is working to make Nigeria prosper as the President seeks a second term."