The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has strongly criticized the former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his linguistic conduct during a recent media briefing. Keyamo expressed deep dissatisfaction with Atiku’s repeated reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply as “Bola” during a high-profile press conference held in the nation’s capital.

Reacting swiftly via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Aviation Minister described the development as a glaring breach of political decorum. Keyamo maintained that the casual manner in which the opposition leader addressed the sitting Head of State was entirely "disrespectful and discourteous," sparking fresh debates over political etiquette among elder statesmen.

According to the minister, deep-seated political differences and partisan rivalries should never be allowed to diminish the institutional respect attached to the country’s highest office. He argued that the presidency represents the symbol of national sovereignty and unity, thereby demanding a baseline level of formal courtesy from all citizens, regardless of their political leanings.

Keyamo’s public reprimand followed a comprehensive press briefing hosted by Atiku at his Abuja residence. During the session, the former Vice President fiercely challenged the current administration`s handling of the nation’s economy, specifically drawing attention to the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), widely known as petrol, and the subsequent financial hardships squeezing ordinary Nigerians.

In his social media statement, Keyamo wrote: “The continuous reference to President Bola Tinubu by His Excellency, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in his press conference earlier as ‘Bola’ is very disrespectful and discourteous. He should know better that no matter your differences with Mr. President, for the sake of the country, that office should be accorded all the dignity it deserves.”

Going further, the minister imputed emotional motivations behind the opposition leader`s choice of words. Keyamo suggested that dropping the President`s official titles was an unconscious reflection of lingering political frustrations, asserting that the overall tone of Atiku`s presentation “reeks of pain and bitterness in his heart” following the outcomes of the last general elections.

Before the linguistic controversy overshadowed the core message of the briefing, Atiku had used the media platform to demand swift and decisive executive interventions from the presidency. He insisted that the federal government must take immediate, actionable steps to crash the skyrocketing prices of petrol to bring urgent economic relief to struggling households across Nigeria.

As the political friction continues to dominate national discourse, analysts note that the verbal clash underscores the enduring tension between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the primary opposition. Neither Atiku nor the PDP leadership has officially responded to Keyamo’s criticisms regarding the breach of presidential protocol.