…Vows to Maintain Decorum Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for addressing President Bola Tinubu by his first name, “Bola”, describing the action as disrespectful to the office of the President.
The council, in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, said Atiku should demonstrate the decorum expected of a former vice president and presidential candidate.
It argued that addressing the President by his first name fell short of the standards of conduct expected of someone seeking to occupy the nation’s highest political office.
The APC-PCC, however, urged its leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue to accord Atiku the respect due to his former position, despite political differences.
The council accused the former vice president, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of allowing political rivalry to overshadow the statesmanship expected of a former occupant of the nation’s second-highest office.
It also faulted what it described as his approach to political engagement, arguing that public figures seeking elective office should demonstrate restraint and respect in their dealings with political opponents.
Despite its criticism, the ruling party’s campaign council said it would not adopt what it characterised as Atiku’s style of engagement.
Instead, it pledged to maintain decorum and uphold what it described as progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect.
“Without any regard to his personal choice to disrespect the office he is aspiring to occupy, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has implored all party leaders, spokespersons, party members and support groups to accord all the respect, courtesies and regard due to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as former Vice President of Nigeria and a Presidential candidate,” the statement said.
The council also said it would not allow the controversy to distract it from communicating the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
It maintained that its campaign would focus on the ruling party’s programmes, the President’s record in office and the administration’s efforts to translate its economic reforms into improved living conditions.
According to Alake, the council intends to concentrate on issues it considers important to Nigerians as Tinubu seeks re-election.
“Our campaign will focus on issues important to Nigerians. We will sell our party programmes, President Bola Tinubu’s achievements in office, and how the administration is moving Nigeria from reforms to prosperity as the President seeks a second-term mandate from Nigerians,” he said.
The exchange adds to the political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general election, with the APC-PCC insisting that its campaign will prioritise the administration’s policies and record rather than personal exchanges with opposition figures.
