Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his reference to President Bola Tinubu simply as “Bola” in his Independence Day address.
Fani-Kayode described the remark as disrespectful, arguing that Atiku should have shown greater regard for the office of the President and the person occupying it.
The former Minister of Aviation made his position known in a post on X on Sunday, where he said he deliberately refrained from responding to Atiku by using his Hausa title, “Kachalla,” despite what he regarded as an inappropriate reference to Tinubu.
Fani-Kayode said his decision was intended to demonstrate restraint and maintain respect despite the political disagreement.
He also backed comments by Akin Osuntokun, who had criticised Atiku’s remarks and questioned the former vice president’s approach to political relationships.
The ambassador further accused Atiku of having a history of strained relationships with prominent political figures and former allies.
He cited Atiku’s past disagreements with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Goodluck Jonathan, while also making references to alleged tensions involving Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Fani-Kayode additionally referred to the controversy surrounding allegations that Atiku deleted a social media post concerning Deborah Samuel, the Christian student who was killed by fellow students in Sokoto in 2022.
His comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Atiku emerging as one of the leading opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Atiku, a former vice president and longtime presidential contender, has continued to position himself as a major opposition voice, while the Tinubu administration faces criticism from opposition parties over economic conditions, governance and other national issues.
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The exchange has further highlighted the increasingly confrontational nature of Nigeria’s political discourse as political parties and their supporters intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fani-Kayode, who has moved across different political camps over the years, currently serves as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa under the Tinubu administration.
His remarks are expected to fuel further debate over political language, respect for public office and the limits of criticism in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political environment.
