Insult To Nigeria – Osuntokun Blasts Atiku For Calling Tinubu ‘Bola’

Former presidential spokesman Akin Osuntokun has expressed disapproval of the language used by ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar while referring to President Bola Tinubu in his Independence Day speech.

Osuntokun said Atiku was entitled to criticise Tinubu as strongly as he wished, but objected to the former vice president’s repeated use of the President’s first name, “Bola.”

In a statement released on Thursday, Osuntokun described the choice of words as unnecessary and disrespectful to the office of the President.

According to him, the issue was not whether Atiku should criticise Tinubu’s policies or administration, but whether such criticism should be delivered with appropriate respect for the institution of the presidency.

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He said Atiku’s decision to repeatedly address Tinubu by his first name did not strengthen his political argument.

Osuntokun, who served as Director-General of Peter Obi’s campaign in the 2023 presidential election, noted that Tinubu remained Nigeria’s elected President.

He said those who believed the President should no longer remain in office had constitutional and democratic options for pursuing political change.

Among the avenues he mentioned were impeachment under the relevant constitutional provisions and defeating the incumbent through an election.

Osuntokun stressed that his position was not intended to defend Tinubu’s policies or personality. Instead, he said he was advocating for decorum and respect for the presidency as an institution.

He argued that politicians seeking the mandate to lead Nigeria should demonstrate respect for the office even when their political opponents occupy it.

He further questioned what Atiku’s choice of language might indicate about his approach to the presidency.

Osuntokun’s comments come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election, with candidates and parties increasingly scrutinising one another’s records, policies and public conduct.