The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Tinubu by his first name during press conferences, media interviews and other public engagements.
The party described the practice as “deliberately disrespectful”, politically irresponsible and unbecoming of a former vice president, accusing Atiku and some of his aides of disregarding the conventions of public office.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said the practice went beyond grammatical preference or personal familiarity, arguing that it reflected a lack of respect for the presidency and the country’s democratic institutions.
Oladejo said Atiku, having served as vice president, should understand the symbolism and institutional significance of the presidency, which he noted represents the sovereignty and collective will of Nigerians.
He said the repeated use of the president’s first name during formal engagements raised questions about the former vice president’s intentions and judgement.
“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 that some of Atiku’s aides and political associates had allegedly adopted the same approach, arguing that the pattern created the impression of a deliberate attempt to diminish Tinubu’s standing in the eyes of the public.
The party, however, acknowledged that the president’s policies, decisions and performance remained legitimate subjects of public scrutiny, stressing that opposition parties had the right to challenge his administration and present alternative approaches to governance.
It maintained that criticism of government policies should be distinguished from what it described as a refusal to accord the presidency appropriate recognition in formal public discourse.
According to Oladejo, titles such as president, former president, vice president and former vice president serve a purpose beyond personal courtesy, as they acknowledge public office, institutional continuity and the responsibilities associated with leadership.
He questioned whether Atiku would consider it appropriate for political opponents to address him in 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 further warned that the alleged conduct was unfolding amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, urging political leaders to exercise restraint and promote civility.
It argued that repeatedly referring to the president by his first name in circumstances suggesting deliberate disregard for the office could normalise contempt for public institutions and deepen partisan hostility.
Oladejo challenged Atiku to demonstrate the statesmanship expected of someone who had occupied the country’s second-highest political office, urging him to focus 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 added that the electorate deserved a contest of ideas and governance programmes rather than what it described as a decline in political etiquette.
It insisted that Atiku and his associates were entitled to oppose Tinubu but should not confuse political rivalry with disrespect for 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 call his political associates to order, arguing that anyone seeking the presidency should demonstrate an understanding of the dignity, discipline and responsibility associated with the office.
Oladejo stated that the 2027 election should focus on who could best serve Nigerians rather than on the casual disregard of conventions associated with public office.
