APC TELLS MEMBERS: RESPECT ATIKU DESPITE HIS DISRESPECT

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has urged its members to accord former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar the respect due to his former office and status as a presidential candidate, despite accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu.

The APC accord Atiku respect directive followed public reactions to Atiku’s decision to address Tinubu as “Bola,” which the council described as unbecoming of a former vice-president and a presidential aspirant .

THE STATEMENT

In a statement issued on Monday by the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, the APC said party leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups should continue to show Atiku the courtesies due to him, notwithstanding their disagreement with his conduct.

“Without any regard to his personal choice to disrespect the office he is aspiring to occupy, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has implored all party leaders, spokespersons, party members and support groups to accord all the respect, courtesies and regard due to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as former Vice President of Nigeria and a Presidential candidate,” the statement said.

THE CRITICISM

The council faulted Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, for what it described as a lack of decorum in addressing the President. It also accused him of allowing political animosity and ambition to influence his public conduct since losing the 2023 presidential election.

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The APC council, however, said it would not follow what it characterised as Atiku’s approach to political engagement.

“Our campaign will focus on issues important to Nigerians. We will sell our party programmes, President Bola Tinubu’s achievements in office, and how the administration is moving Nigeria from reforms to prosperity as the President seeks a second-term mandate from Nigerians,” Alake said.

WHY IT MATTERS

The statement is a curious blend of criticism and courtesy. The APC is criticising Atiku’s conduct while instructing its members to treat him with respect. It is a calculated political move. By taking the high road publicly, the APC positions itself as the party of decorum while framing Atiku as the aggressor. It also denies Atiku the grievance of being disrespected in return.

The exchange also signals the tone of the 2027 campaign: personal, pointed, but with both sides aware of the optics. ValidViewNetwork reports that the APC PCC issued the statement on Monday.