Nigeria's Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, has publicly rebuked former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Tinubu by his first name during a press conference, describing the conduct as disrespectful to the office of the president. Keyamo, who posted his reaction on X, said Atiku's use of "Bola" when addressing the sitting president was discourteous and unbecoming, regardless of any political disagreements between the two men.
Keyamo Calls Out Atiku's Choice of Words
"The continuous reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by His Excellency, ex Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in his Press Conference earlier today as 'Bola' is very disrespectful and discourteous," Keyamo wrote. "He should know better that no matter your differences with Mr. President, for the sake of the country, that office should be accorded all the dignity it deserves. The tone reeks of pain and bitterness in his heart."
The minister argued that the presidency, as an institution, deserves a level of respect that goes beyond personal or partisan rivalry, and that Atiku's manner of address fell well short of that standard. Keyamo's remarks come amid ongoing political tensions between the two prominent figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo Points to Contradiction in Atiku's Claims
Keyamo also drew attention to what he called a contradiction in Atiku's recent public statements. He noted that the former vice-president had previously claimed that President Tinubu is older than him, yet went on to address this supposed elder by his first name alone. "After all, he made the outlandish claim the other day that Mr. President is older than himself," Keyamo said. "It is therefore a contradiction that he would also refer to an 'elder' by his first name."
The remark sharpened Keyamo's broader criticism that Atiku's conduct at the press conference was driven by personal grievance rather than principled opposition. The minister's statement has sparked reactions on social media, with some supporting his stance and others defending Atiku's right to address the president informally.
Context of Political Rivalry
Previously, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu came first in the Oxford Metro Analytics National Trust Poll, finishing ahead of NDC's Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections. Keyamo reacted to the result on Sunday, September 13, 2026, reposting a report about the poll on his X account with a smiling emoji.
The incident underscores the deepening political rivalry between the ruling party and opposition figures as the 2027 election cycle approaches. Keyamo's criticism highlights the sensitivity surrounding the office of the president and the expectations of decorum in public discourse.
