The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his first name, describing the practice as disrespectful to the office of the President.

The party said Atiku’s manner of referring to Tinubu during public engagements was inappropriate for a former vice-president and a presidential aspirant, arguing that political disagreements should not undermine respect for public institutions.

In a statement on Monday, the APC said opposition politicians were free to criticise the President and challenge his policies but should distinguish political rivalry from what it described as disregard for the presidency.

The party maintained that addressing Tinubu simply as “Bola” during press conferences, interviews and other public engagements went beyond personal familiarity or a matter of wording.

The criticism followed Atiku’s recent remarks urging Tinubu to consider government intervention to reduce petrol prices. Atiku had said the President could adopt his proposal, rename it and take credit for it if doing so would ease the financial burden on Nigerians.

Atiku argued that the priority should be reducing the cost of petrol rather than who receives recognition for proposing the measure.

The APC, however, faulted the former vice-president’s approach, insisting that political opponents should maintain appropriate decorum when addressing the country’s leader.

The controversy has also attracted criticism from other members of the ruling party. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, previously described Atiku’s use of Tinubu’s first name as discourteous, arguing that the office of the President deserved respect regardless of political differences.

Similarly, presidential spokesman Sunday Dare condemned Atiku’s remarks, accusing him of showing insolence while urging the President to implement his proposed economic measures.

Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has continued to criticise the Tinubu administration’s economic policies as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APC has defended the administration’s reforms, maintaining that its policies are intended to address structural economic challenges and strengthen public finances.

The dispute highlights the growing political exchanges between the ruling party and opposition figures over economic policy, public conduct and the tone of political engagement ahead of the next general election.