Reno Omokri has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to apologise to President Bola Tinubu for referring to him by his first name, arguing that the wording shows insufficient respect for the office of the president.
Omokri made the appeal in an open letter published on his social media accounts on Friday, October 9, 2026. He was reacting to Atiku’s remarks during a recent press conference, where the former vice-president referred to the president as “Bola.”
In the letter, Omokri argued that addressing a sitting president by his first name goes beyond a personal disagreement and may be viewed as disrespect towards the institution of the presidency. He maintained that political opponents can criticise the president’s policies and decisions without abandoning basic courtesy.
Omokri also recalled the political relationship between Tinubu and Atiku, claiming that Tinubu had supported the former vice-president during a difficult period and offered him a presidential ticket under the Action Congress platform. He contrasted that history with what he described as Atiku’s current manner of addressing the president.
The former presidential aide said he believed the language used by political leaders could influence public conduct, particularly among younger Nigerians. He warned that personal exchanges between prominent politicians could deepen divisions if they overshadow substantive debates about national issues.
Atiku and Tinubu have been political rivals, particularly over the presidency. Atiku contested against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election and remains a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the 2027 election.
Omokri’s intervention adds to the political exchanges taking place ahead of the next general election. However, his call for an apology reflects his own view of political courtesy; referring to a public official by name does not, by itself, establish that a law or formal rule has been breached.
The comments are likely to keep attention on the relationship between the two political figures as parties and potential candidates prepare for the 2027 election.