Atiku Aide Blasts Femi Fani-Kayode: Nigeria Is Republic, Not Monarchy Over ‘Bola’ Name Row
Abuja, Nigeria – October 5, 2026—A sharp war of words has erupted between the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Femi Fani-Kayode after the latter accused Atiku of disrespect for repeatedly referring to President Bola Tinubu simply as “Bola” in his October 1 Independence Day address.
Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku (the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for 2027), delivered a strongly worded response, arguing that the controversy over titles distracts from the real issues facing ordinary Nigerians.
The Spark: Atiku’s Independence Day Speech
In his national address marking Nigeria’s Independence Day, Atiku repeatedly used Tinubu’s first name while criticizing the administration’s handling of the economy, insecurity, and the high cost of living.
Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister and High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, took strong exception.
In a lengthy post, Fani-Kayode described Atiku’s speech as “intellectually flawed, highly disrespectful, inherently dishonest, and utterly bereft of decency and logic.”
He particularly faulted the former Vice President for refusing to use the title “President,” calling the choice “petty” and an insult to the office. Fani-Kayode said he was tempted to respond by addressing Atiku as “Kachalla” but chose not to.
Ibe’s Forceful Rebuttal
Ibe pushed back hard. “His name is Bola. And that is not Nigeria’s problem,” he wrote. “In a country battling hardship, insecurity and prohibitive food, transport and energy costs, the emergency that concerns you is that Atiku called Bola, Bola.”
He continued: “Nigeria is a republic, not a monarchy. The President is an elected public servant, not an emperor before whom opponents must genuflect. ‘President’ is an office, not a compulsory prefix shielding its occupant from criticism.
Atiku committed no crime or constitutional violation by calling Bola Tinubu ‘Bola’. You may consider it discourteous. That is your opinion, not an offence.”
Ibe also accused Fani-Kayode of moral contradiction. He noted that the same critic who lectures on “decency,” “decorum” and “restraint” used terms such as “pit bull terriers,” “hungry wolves,” “fallen angels” and “pathological obsession” in his own essay.
Ibe further referenced Fani-Kayode’s past public clash with a Daily Trust journalist, in which the former minister allegedly called the reporter “stupid,” threatened him, and declared, “I have marked you.” He also pointed to previous writings about the Igbo that have drawn accusations of ethnic stereotyping.
Broader Political Context
The exchange comes against the backdrop of intensifying political positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku is running on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Fani-Kayode is a vocal supporter of the Tinubu administration.
Ibe insisted the focus should remain on the substance of Atiku’s message—the cost of living, insecurity, and the impact of government policies—rather than forms of address.
“In 2027, Nigerians will vote on food, petrol, electricity, jobs, insecurity, the naira, and their quality of life—not forms of address,” he argued.
What the Exchange Reveals
Political observers note that the row highlights deeper tensions over respect for institutions versus freedom of political speech in Nigeria’s democracy.
While some see Atiku’s choice of words as needlessly provocative, others view Fani-Kayode’s reaction as an attempt to elevate style over substance at a time when many citizens are struggling with daily economic pressures.
Neither side shows signs of backing down, and the debate is likely to continue as the 2027 campaign season gathers momentum.
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