Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, has hit back at Femi Fani-Kayode after the former aviation minister criticised Atiku for repeatedly referring to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” in his October 1 Independence Day address.
Fani-Kayode argued that Atiku’s choice of words was disrespectful to the office of the president, while Ibe defended the former vice president’s remarks and shifted the debate to Nigeria’s economic challenges and Fani-Kayode’s own record.
Key Highlights
- Paul Ibe defended Atiku Abubakar’s decision to refer to President Tinubu as “Bola.”
- Femi Fani-Kayode criticised Atiku’s Independence Day address as disrespectful and lacking decorum.
- Ibe argued that “President” is an office and not a compulsory prefix that shields the occupant from criticism.
- The Atiku aide accused Fani-Kayode of preaching restraint while using harsh language in his own political commentary.
- Ibe referenced allegations of domestic abuse previously made against Fani-Kayode by his estranged wife.
- Fani-Kayode’s wife Regina had previously denied that he subjected her to domestic abuse, while allegations involving Precious Chikwendu have been publicly disputed.
- The exchange has reignited debate over political rhetoric, personal attacks and the 2027 presidential contest.
Fani-Kayode Criticises Atiku Over ‘Bola’ Reference
The controversy followed Atiku’s October 1 Independence Day address, in which he referred to President Tinubu as “Bola.”
Fani-Kayode subsequently published a lengthy response titled “And Now You Call Him Bola!”, arguing that Atiku should have addressed Tinubu by his official title as president.
He cited comments attributed to political analyst Akin Osuntokun, who argued that repeatedly using the president’s first name during a national address could be viewed as disrespectful to the office. Fani-Kayode also referenced Atiku’s past political disagreements with former presidents and other political figures.
Paul Ibe Defends Atiku
Responding on X, Ibe rejected the criticism and argued that the focus should be on the issues affecting Nigerians.
Ibe said the president’s name is Bola and questioned why Atiku’s use of the name had become a major political issue amid concerns over hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of food, transportation and energy.
He also argued that Nigeria is a republic rather than a monarchy and that the title “President” represents an office rather than a restriction on political criticism.
Ibe Turns the Argument Back on Fani-Kayode
The exchange became more personal when Ibe challenged Fani-Kayode’s criticism of Atiku’s conduct.
Ibe pointed to language used by Fani-Kayode in his political writings, including references to political opponents as “pit bull terriers,” “hungry wolves” and “fallen angels.”
He also referenced a previous confrontation involving Fani-Kayode and a Daily Trust journalist, arguing that the former minister should exercise the same restraint he was demanding from Atiku.
Ibe References Domestic Abuse Allegations
The most controversial part of Ibe’s response came when he referred to previous domestic abuse allegations involving Fani-Kayode and his estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu.
Ibe described the matter as a public accusation and disputed issue rather than a proven conviction, telling Fani-Kayode to “heal thyself” before judging another politician’s character.
Chikwendu previously made allegations of domestic abuse against Fani-Kayode during the breakdown of their relationship. Fani-Kayode has disputed allegations concerning him, while his legal wife, Regina Fani-Kayode, publicly stated in 2020 that he had never subjected her to domestic abuse.
The distinction is important because the allegations should not be presented as an established finding of guilt.
Deborah Samuel Controversy Also Resurfaces
Ibe also addressed Fani-Kayode’s reference to the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student who was murdered by a mob in Sokoto.
Fani-Kayode had criticised Atiku over his handling of the incident, particularly after a condolence message initially posted on Atiku’s social media account was later deleted.
Ibe maintained that the deleted post was not approved by Atiku, while critics continue to use the episode in arguments about Atiku’s political record.
Read also:
- Atiku Faults Tinubu Independence Day Speech, Says It Is Full of ‘We Will’ Promises
- Onanuga Attacks Atiku, Amaechi, Says They Cannot Be Trusted With Nigeria
- Tinubu Must Stay: Supporters Cite GDP Growth, NELFUND, CNG Gains as Atiku Calls for Tinubu’s Exit
Political Dispute Moves Beyond ‘Bola’
The dispute between Ibe and Fani-Kayode has now moved beyond the original argument over whether Atiku should call Tinubu “Bola” or “President.”
Fani-Kayode’s criticism focused on respect for the presidential office and political decorum, while Ibe redirected attention to economic hardship and accused Fani-Kayode of applying standards to Atiku that he does not always apply to himself.
The exchange comes as political parties and major political figures increasingly position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, making personal attacks and past controversies an increasingly visible part of political debate.
For now, neither side has resolved the central disagreement over Atiku’s use of Tinubu’s first name. Instead, the dispute has expanded into a broader argument over political language, personal conduct and the issues Nigerians should prioritise ahead of 2027.
For more updates on the Atiku-Fani-Kayode exchange, follow us on X.
