​Speaking on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a public event in the Federal Capital Territory, Vice President Shettima reprimanded Atiku for referring to President Tinubu informally by his first name in public outings and media appearances.
Addressing political leaders and government representatives, Shettima emphasized that political ambition must be anchored on decorum and constitutional respect.
​”Those who want equity must come with clean hands. You can call him Bola. If you like, you can call him Adekunle. But the truth is that he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Shettima declared.
​The Vice President added that despite Atiku’s persistent attacks, he would maintain formal courtesy toward the former leader:
​”Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Atiku Abubakar, I will still respect him and call him former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. I will not follow suit with the maverick Babachir Lawal to call him Kachalla.”
​Critiquing Atiku’s repeated attempts at securing the presidency, Shettima rejected comparisons between the opposition figure and historic global statesmen:
“Political ambition is not merely the desire to occupy public office. It is a test of character, cerebral strength, intellectual maturity, and responsibility. The higher the office a person seeks, the greater the discipline expected in his words, conduct, and relationship with public institutions.”
“Atiku Abubakar, who has contested for the presidency of this country for the eighth time, is no Abraham Lincoln. He is more of Oginga Odinga.”
​Beyond decorum, Vice President Shettima targeted Atiku’s proposed economic policy agenda, specifically his recommendations on production subsidies, describing current political debates as a “masterclass in cinematic comedy”.
Questioning the financial logic of Atiku’s proposals, Shettima asked: “Who pays? Who benefits? And which competing priorities must surrender their funding?” Dismissing Atiku’s stance, Shettima added: “A change in ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget.”
​Shettima’s remarks coincide with earlier statements issued by key administration spokespersons, including Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, and Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and former APC campaign spokesman.
Both officials reiterated that while robust policy debates are vital for democratic engagement, deliberately undermining the presidential title reflects poorly on an aspirant’s readiness to govern a nation of over 200 million citizens.
