Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and media adviser to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, have clashed over Atiku’s decision to repeatedly refer to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” in his October 1 Independence Day address.

Fani-Kayode criticised the former vice-president in a post on Facebook, accusing him of showing disrespect to the office of the President by using Tinubu’s first name rather than his official title.

He described Atiku’s address as disrespectful and lacking decorum, arguing that the former vice-president should accord the office of the President the appropriate respect.

Fani-Kayode also cited comments by Akin Osuntokun, a former political adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, who had similarly criticised Atiku’s choice of words.

The former minister subsequently raised several past political controversies involving Atiku, including his relationship with Obasanjo, comments concerning former President Goodluck Jonathan, his exchange with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his response to the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto.

He also referred to comments attributed to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi concerning Atiku’s political prospects ahead of the 2027 election.

Fani-Kayode argued that Atiku’s approach to the presidential office was inappropriate and warned that his conduct could become an issue as he seeks the presidency in 2027.

Responding, Ibe dismissed the criticism as a distraction from the substantive issues raised in Atiku’s Independence Day address.

He said Atiku had committed no offence by referring to Tinubu as “Bola”, noting that it was the President’s name.

Ibe argued that Nigerians were more concerned about the cost of living, insecurity and rising food, transport and energy costs than the form of address used for the President.

He maintained that the President was an elected public servant and that the title of the office should not shield the occupant from criticism.

Ibe also accused Fani-Kayode of contradicting his own appeal for decorum by using harsh descriptions against political opponents.

On some of the historical issues raised by Fani-Kayode, Ibe disputed accounts concerning Atiku’s relationship with Obasanjo and said some claims remained contested.

He also defended Atiku’s position on the killing of Deborah Samuel, saying the former vice-president had condemned the killing and made clear that religious belief could not justify taking another person’s life outside due process.

Turning to the 2027 election, Ibe said Nigerians would ultimately focus on issues affecting their daily lives rather than the manner in which political opponents addressed the President.

He listed food, petrol, electricity, jobs, insecurity, the naira and general quality of life among the issues he said would be central to the election.