The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu by addressing him simply as “Bola” instead of using his presidential title.

The council’s spokesperson and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, made the allegation in a statement on Monday, criticising Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, for what he described as a lack of decorum expected of a former vice-president and presidential aspirant.

Atiku has repeatedly referred to Tinubu by his first name while describing his administration as a “Yahoo Yahoo” government and accusing it of dishonesty. He has also questioned whether the President attended school.

Alake said the APC campaign council was concerned that Atiku had allowed political rivalry and ambition to undermine the statesmanship expected of a former occupant of the country’s second-highest political office.

According to the minister, Atiku’s conduct falls short of the standards of decency and respect for constituted authority expected of someone seeking to become president of Nigeria.

The statement said the council had urged APC leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue treating Atiku with the respect due to a former vice-president and presidential candidate, despite his alleged disregard for the office of the President.

Alake stressed that the APC would not adopt what he described as Atiku’s approach to political engagement, adding that the party would concentrate on issues affecting Nigerians, its programmes and Tinubu’s achievements.

He said the campaign would also highlight the administration’s efforts to move Nigeria from economic reforms to prosperity as Tinubu seeks a second term in office.

The APC Presidential Campaign Council maintained that its campaign would be guided by progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect, rather than personal attacks and political hostility.