Atiku's Aide Apologizes to Tinubu for Name Comment

Paul Ibe, the media aide to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), issued an apology to President Bola Tinubu after Atiku referred to him as "Bola" during an Independence Day press briefing. In a post on his 𝕏 handle, Ibe expressed confusion over the backlash, stating, “I ‘apologise’ for calling Tinubu ‘Bola.’ I had no idea four letters could cause this much national distress.” He suggested that perhaps “Amoda,” a name associated with Tinubu, would have been more appropriate.

Ibe defended Atiku's speech, arguing that there is no Nigerian law prohibiting the use of the President's first name and cited Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which states that no one can be convicted of an offense unless it is prescribed in written law. He emphasized that while people may prefer formal titles, it should not lead to the invention of offenses where none exist.

Ibe urged the focus to remain on the issues raised in Atiku's address.