APC Campaign Council Faults Atiku Over Calling Tinubu ‘Bola’

….Vows to Focus on Issues

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his decision to address President Bola Tinubu as “Bola”, describing it as disrespectful to the office of the President.

The council, however, directed APC leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue according Atiku the courtesies and respect due to him as a former vice president and presidential candidate.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), came under criticism from the ruling party, which argued that his public conduct fell short of the decorum expected of a former vice president and an aspirant to the nation’s highest political office.

The APC campaign council accused Atiku of allowing political differences and ambition to influence his public conduct since losing the last presidential election.

It also expressed concern that his manner of addressing Tinubu could set a poor example for younger politicians.

Despite its criticism of the former vice president, the council said the APC would not adopt what it described as Atiku’s approach to political engagement.

The statement said the ruling party remained committed to progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect, adding that its members had been urged to maintain civility in their dealings with the ADC presidential candidate.

APC Campaign Council Promises Issue-Based Campaign

The council said its campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal exchanges with political opponents.

According to the statement, the APC intends to highlight its programmes, Tinubu’s record in office and what it described as the administration’s efforts to move Nigeria “from reforms to prosperity”.

It added that these issues would form the basis of the ruling party’s campaign as Tinubu seeks a second-term mandate from Nigerians.

The statement, titled “Public Concerns Over Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Indiscretion and Disregard for President Tinubu,” reiterated the council’s position that political disagreements should not undermine the respect accorded to public offices.

Alake signed the statement on behalf of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.