Former presidential spokesman, Akin Osuntokun has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” during his October 1 Independence Day address.

Osuntokun said Atiku had the right to criticise Tinubu and his administration but argued that repeatedly addressing the President by his first name was disrespectful to the office.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Osuntokun said his longstanding relationship with Atiku had previously made him reluctant to criticise the former vice-president strongly.

He said, however, that Atiku’s choice of address was unnecessary and did not strengthen his criticism of the administration.

Osuntokun argued that Tinubu, as Nigeria’s sitting President, was entitled to the privileges associated with the office regardless of political disagreements over his administration.

He added that Nigerians who oppose the President have constitutional and democratic avenues through which they can seek political change.

The former presidential spokesman stressed that his comments were not intended to express support for Tinubu’s policies or personality but were about maintaining decorum in public discourse and respecting the institution of the presidency.

He argued that anyone seeking to occupy the presidency should demonstrate respect for the office even when it is held by a political opponent.

To illustrate his point, Osuntokun said it would similarly be considered rude if a former vice-president repeatedly referred to a sitting president by his first name throughout a national address.

He also said Atiku’s choice of words raised questions about the approach he would bring to the presidency if he eventually occupied the office.

Atiku served as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007 and is among opposition figures preparing for the 2027 general election.