The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for addressing President Bola Tinubu by his first name, describing the move as disrespectful to the office of the president.

In a statement signed by Alake, the council accused Atiku of failing to uphold the standards of decorum expected of a former vice president and presidential candidate.

Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, had defended his decision, arguing that Bola is Tinubu’s name and that using it does not amount to disrespect.

“That is his name. He has no other name. His name is Bola, and he should be called Bola,” Shaibu said.

However, Alake accused Atiku of allowing political rivalry to influence his public conduct since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election.

The council said it had directed APC leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue showing Atiku the respect due to a former vice president and presidential candidate, regardless of his approach towards Tinubu.

“While a higher standard of decorum, decency and deference to constituted authorities is expected from a former Vice President of Nigeria and an aspirant to the highest office in the country, we are concerned that the ADC Presidential candidate has not lived up to those expectations by his unbecoming decision to address the President of Nigeria on a first-name basis as ‘Bola,’” the statement said.

The council added that it would not adopt Atiku’s approach, citing its commitment to progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect.

“As a party grounded in progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect, our campaign council will not follow Alhaji Atiku’s path,” the statement added.