The media team of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has defended its decision to address President Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply as “Tinubu”, saying there is no legal requirement to use his official title when referring to him.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, made the position known amid criticism over the former Vice President’s choice of words in recent political exchanges.
Ibe had earlier defended Atiku’s reference to the President as “Bola”, arguing that Bola is Tinubu’s name while “President” describes his office.
Ibe, in a post on X on Wednesday, said he apologised for using the name, adding that he should perhaps have referred to the president as “Amoda,” a name he said had long been associated with Tinubu.
“I ‘apologise’ for calling Tinubu ‘Bola.’
“I had no idea four letters could cause this much national distress.
“Perhaps I should have said ‘Amoda’ — the foundational name long associated with him,” Ibe wrote.
In his latest response, Ibe adopted a sarcastic tone, saying he should have referred to the President as “Amoda” instead, a name he said had been associated with Tinubu.
He added that “Tinubu” would remain the preferred reference, while questioning the significance attached to how the President is addressed.
“So, ‘correction’ duly noted: ‘Bola’ was apparently too familiar. ‘Amoda’ is disputed. Tinubu it is — pending further documentation,” he added.
The controversy comes amid heightened political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ibe’s comments have further intensified the debate over political language and the level of respect expected when opposition politicians refer to the President.
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