‘It’s disrespectful’: Ex-Obi campaign chief criticises Atiku for repeatedly calling Tinubu ‘Bola’

Akin Osuntokun, former director-general of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” in his Independence Day address.

In a statement reported by PREMIUM TIMES, Osuntokun said Atiku was free to criticise Tinubu’s administration but argued that addressing the President by his first name was disrespectful to the office.

“(Atiku) Abubakar is entitled to criticise the President, however sharply. What I found objectionable was his repeated decision to call him ‘Bola’,” he said.

“That was not a more forceful argument; it was a needless display of disrespect.”

Osuntokun said respect for the presidency should not be confused with support for Tinubu’s policies or personality.

He added that opponents who consider Tinubu unfit for office have constitutional options, including impeachment or defeating him at the ballot box.

“Until then, Tinubu is entitled to the privileges of his office,” he said.

Osuntokun also urged greater decorum in political discourse.