Mr. Aliyu Audu has officially resigned from his position as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns over the ruling party’s push towards creating a one-party state.
Audu’s resignation letter, dated June 8, 2025, was submitted through the office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The letter reads in part: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the president on Public Affairs, effective immediately.”
In a public statement accompanying his resignation, Audu clarified that his decision was based on principle, not rebellion.
“Good morning fellow compatriots, I have seen many comments about my resignation and I must say it is not an act of rebellion but of conscience,” he stated.
Audu said although he does not support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he could not allow himself to be used as a tool by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to silence opposition.
“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 said.
He further emphasized that real democracy must be rooted in fair competition and inclusivity:
“After all that God has done for us as a nation, especially in these times, we owe it to Him and to posterity to uphold values that reflect justice, balance, and liberty. True democracy thrives on healthy competition, not political domination.”
Drawing a parallel to Nigeria’s political past, Audu warned that silencing dissent could mirror past excesses.
“If we now 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 described the suppression of opposing voices as a regression rather than leadership:
“And it runs contrary to the divine order, which upholds freedom of choice and diversity of thought. God, in His wisdom, allows even belief and disbelief to coexist. Why then should we, mere mortals, fear ideological pluralism?”
Urging for a more inclusive political space, Audu said:
“Let us build a Nigeria where our strength lies not in uniformity, but in the maturity to compete with ideas, vision, and integrity. Only then can we truly say we are progressing. May Allah SWT forgive us our shortcomings and direct us on the path of righteousness.”
Despite his resignation, Audu maintained that he still supports the administration’s economic agenda:
“I will continue to support our government in power not just because I helped bring it but also because I believe in the success recorded in the area of economic reforms.”
He concluded by highlighting his opposition to the political alliance between President Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike, saying it runs contrary to his values:
“We just differ on political views as I pride myself with being a progressive and a promoter of democratic values which seems to be lost in the unholy alliance of PBAT with Wike.”
Ending on a lighter note, he said:
“That does not mean our gbas gbos will seize o. We still here for the attacks and counter attacks. Oya Agbadorians over to you.”
