The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has said it will continue to accord former Vice President Atiku Abubakar the respect due to his status despite accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu.
The council said it had directed party leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to extend the necessary courtesies to Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, criticised Atiku for referring to Tinubu by his first name, Bola, rather than using a formal title.
Alake described the action as disrespectful to the office of the President and Commander-in-Chief, arguing that a former vice-president and presidential aspirant should demonstrate a higher level of decorum and respect for constituted authority.
He also accused Atiku of allowing political animosity and ambition to influence his public conduct since losing the last presidential election.
However, Alake said the APC campaign council would not follow what he described as Atiku’s example, citing the party’s commitment to progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect.
The spokesperson added that the ruling party’s campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians, its programmes and Tinubu’s achievements in office as the president seeks a second term.
He said the campaign would also highlight how the administration was moving the country from economic reforms to prosperity.