APC Campaign Council Rejects Atiku’s Approach to Tinubu, Vows to Uphold Presidential Protocol
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA – 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 action as disrespectful to the office of the President.
The council also declared that its spokespersons, party leaders and members would not follow what it described as Atiku’s disregard for protocol, insisting that the party would maintain respect for constituted authority.
In a press statement signed by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, the ruling party expressed concern over Atiku’s conduct, arguing that his position as a former vice president and presidential candidate demanded a higher standard of decorum.
The council accused Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of allowing political animosity and ambition to influence his public conduct since losing the last presidential election.
It said the former vice president had failed to demonstrate the statesmanship expected of someone seeking to occupy the nation’s highest political office.
The APC, however, urged its leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue according Atiku the respect and courtesies due to him as a former vice president and presidential candidate.
According to the statement, the party’s decision to maintain such courtesies reflects 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 said.
The council further stated that its campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks or disputes over political protocol.
It said the campaign would highlight the APC’s programmes, Tinubu’s achievements in office and the administration’s efforts to move the country “from reforms to prosperity” as the President seeks a second term.
The statement comes amid public reactions to Atiku’s reported decision to address Tinubu as “Bola,” which the APC council has interpreted as a breach of the respect expected between political leaders.
Atiku has yet to respond to the allegations in the statement.
