‘I should’ve said ‘Amoda’ – Atiku’s camp adamant on addressing president as ‘Tinubu’
Paul Ibe, a media aide to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), responded to criticism over a recent comment he made referring to President Bola Tinubu simply as “Bola.”
In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Ibe expressed his contrition regarding the nickname, suggesting he might have been better off using “Amoda,” a name historically linked to Tinubu.
“I ‘apologise’ for calling Tinubu ‘Bola,’” he wrote. “I had no idea four letters could cause this much national distress.” He further remarked that perhaps “Amoda,” a name with more historical context, would be more appropriate.
Ibe pointed out that the ongoing controversies surrounding Tinubu’s name, background, educational qualifications, and personal records have made addressing the president a more complicated matter.
“So, ‘correction’ duly noted: ‘Bola’ was apparently too familiar. ‘Amoda’ is disputed. Tinubu it is — pending further documentation,” Ibe added.
This exchange comes amid heightened political tensions between supporters of the Tinubu administration and opposition figures as the 2027 general election approaches. Tinubu’s educational credentials have been a focal point of political debate, with differing narratives emerging from both his supporters and detractors regarding aspects of his identity and history.
