Aliyu Audu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has resigned from his position, citing concerns over the direction of the current administration.
In a resignation letter dated June 8, 2025, and submitted through the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Audu formally announced his exit from the presidency.
“I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately,” the letter stated.
Explaining his decision in a follow-up statement, Audu said he could no longer remain part of efforts that, in his view, threaten Nigeria’s democratic principles.
“This is not an act of rebellion but of conscience,” he wrote. “Though I do not align with the PDP, I refuse to be used directly or indirectly as an instrument to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state. That would be a betrayal of both divine favor and democratic principle.”
He warned that any attempt to stifle opposition voices and enforce political dominance would be repeating the same mistakes the country had previously condemned.
“If we begin to silence or crush opposition simply because we have the upper hand, then we are no different from the very system we once criticized under Obasanjo in 2003. Such a path is not only politically reckless; it is spiritually dangerous,” he added.
Audu emphasized that true leadership should embrace ideological diversity and promote fair political competition.
“Suppressing alternative voices is not leadership—it is regression,” he said. “God, in His wisdom, allows belief and disbelief to coexist. Why then should we, mere mortals, fear ideological pluralism?”
He called for a Nigeria that values diverse perspectives and healthy democratic rivalry, stating, “Let us build a Nigeria where our strength lies not in uniformity but in the maturity to compete with ideas, vision, and integrity.”
While reaffirming his belief in the government’s economic reforms, Audu distanced himself from what he described as an “unholy alliance” between President Tinubu and Nyesom Wike, which he said contradicts his progressive ideals.
“I will continue to support our government—not just because I was part of bringing it to power—but because I believe in some of its achievements, particularly in economic reforms,” he said. “However, we differ politically. I consider myself a promoter of true democratic values, which seem to be lost in the current political arrangement.”
He concluded with a tongue-in-cheek remark directed at political loyalists:
“That does not mean our gbas gbos will stop. We’re still here for the debates and counter-attacks. Oya Agbadorians, over to you.”
