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

Former presidential spokesman Akin Osuntokun has criticised the manner in which ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar referred to President Bola Tinubu during his Independence Day speech.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Osuntokun said Atiku was entitled to strongly criticise the President but objected to his repeated decision to address Tinubu simply as “Bola.”

According to Osuntokun, the choice of words amounted to unnecessary disrespect and did not make Atiku’s criticism more compelling.

The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign said the issue was bigger than personal relations between the two politicians because Tinubu currently occupies the office of Nigeria’s President.

He argued that respect for the presidency should remain separate from support for the policies or personality of whoever occupies the office.

Osuntokun said Nigerians who disagreed with Tinubu’s leadership could pursue change through recognised constitutional and democratic processes.

He mentioned impeachment, where constitutionally applicable, and electoral defeat as legitimate mechanisms for changing political leadership.

The former spokesman maintained that until a lawful change occurred, Tinubu remained entitled to the privileges and recognition attached to the presidency.

He also argued that individuals seeking the presidency should demonstrate respect for the institution, even when they are challenging the incumbent politically.

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Osuntokun used a hypothetical comparison involving a former vice president addressing a sitting president only by his first name during a national address.

He said such conduct would generally be viewed as discourteous and argued that the same principle should apply to political leaders seeking public office.

Osuntokun clarified that his criticism should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Tinubu’s administration.

Rather, he said his concern was about political decorum and the dignity of Nigeria’s presidential institution.

He concluded that Atiku’s choice of language raised questions, in his view, about the judgment and temperament he could bring to the presidency if elected.

The exchange comes as political parties and presidential contenders prepare for the 2027 electoral contest.