Former Obi Campaigner Criticizes Atiku for Calling Tinubu by First Name

Akin Osuntokun, who was a presidential spokesman and led Peter Obi’s campaign in the 2023 election, has taken aim at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He criticized Atiku for calling President Bola Tinubu simply “Bola” during his speech on 1 October.

In a statement on Thursday, Osuntokun said Atiku has the right to criticize Tinubu and his government. But he felt that the way Atiku referred to the President was disrespectful and showed a lack of respect for the office.

Osuntokun mentioned that he has had a good relationship with Atiku since the Olusegun Obasanjo administration ended in 2007. This made him hesitant to be too harsh in his criticism.

“Atiku Abubakar is entitled to criticize the President, however sharply. What I found objectionable was his repeated decision to call him ‘Bola’. That was not a more forceful argument; it was a needless display of disrespect,” Osuntokun said.

He emphasized that this behavior is not acceptable. It insults Nigeria, the country that Tinubu represents as President. Osuntokun pointed out that Tinubu is the elected leader of Nigeria and holds the same position Atiku himself once aimed for.

“Those who believe he is unfit for it have legitimate ways to pursue his removal: impeachment or defeat at the ballot box. Until then, Tinubu is entitled to the privileges of his office,” he said.

Osuntokun clarified that he was not asking for blind support of Tinubu’s policies or character. He called for more respect in how people talk about the presidency.

He stated that anyone wanting to lead Nigeria should show respect for the office, no matter who is in it. “Imagine a former Vice President referring throughout a national address to a sitting President as ‘Segun’ or ‘Mohammadu’. The rudeness would be unmistakable,” he said.

Osuntokun also mentioned that Atiku’s choice of words raises concerns about his judgment and temperament if he were to become President.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atiku, who was Vice President from 1999 to 2007, is among the key opposition figures looking to challenge the current government in the 2027 general elections.