From Victor Osula, Abuja
Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing concerns over what he described as a growing push toward a one-party state in Nigeria.
His resignation comes barely a month after Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, also stepped down.
Though the Presidency has yet to officially confirm Audu’s resignation, the former aide, in a letter addressed through the Chief of Staff to the President, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve while also outlining the principles behind his decision.
“I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately,” the letter read.
Audu thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, and also expressed appreciation to Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, who nominated him for the role in August 2023.
“I remain deeply grateful to you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve my fatherland under your visionary leadership. It has been an honour to contribute to the public communication efforts of this administration,” he stated.
In a follow-up statement, Audu clarified that his decision was driven by conscience and not rebellion. He strongly criticised efforts to suppress opposition voices, warning that such political domination undermines the democratic ideals he stands for.
“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 favour and democratic principle,” he said.
Audu described attempts to silence dissent as “spiritually dangerous” and a step backward for democracy.
“True democracy thrives on healthy competition, not political domination. If we now begin to crush opposition simply because we have the upper hand, then we are no better than the system we once criticised under Obasanjo in 2003,” he added.
He also criticised the political alliance between President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as “unholy” and contrary to the progressive values he upholds.
“We just differ on political views, as I pride myself on being a progressive and a promoter of democratic values—values that seem to be lost in the unholy alliance of PBAT with Wike,” Audu said.
While reaffirming support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms, he insisted that his resignation was rooted in the need to uphold justice, ideological balance, and freedom of thought.
He concluded on a defiant note, hinting that he would remain politically outspoken.
“That doesn’t mean our gbas gboswill stop. We’re still here for the attacks and counterattacks,” he wrote.
