Mr. Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has tendered his resignation, citing concerns over a perceived plan by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to transform Nigeria into 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.
In the letter, he stated: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the president on Public Affairs, effective immediately.”
In an accompanying public statement, Audu clarified his reasons for stepping down, asserting that his decision was not driven by rebellion but by conscience.
“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 said.
“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 emphasized the need for political plurality and warned against silencing dissenting voices.
“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.
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.”
Audu argued that suppressing opposition is not leadership but regression.
“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?”
He called for a Nigeria where political ideas, not power consolidation, drive progress.
“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,” He explained.
Despite his resignation, Audu expressed continued support for aspects of the Tinubu administration, particularly economic reforms.
“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.
“We just differ on political views, as I pride myself on being a progressive and a promoter of democratic values which seems to be lost in the unholy alliance of PBAT with Wike.
“That does not mean our gbas gbos will seize o. We still here for the attacks and counter attacks. Oya Agbadorians over to you,” Audu remarked.
Audu’s departure follows a similar move by another former aide, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who resigned in April 2025 as Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Tinubu. Baba-Ahmed was appointed in September 2023 to serve in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Reflecting on his resignation, Baba-Ahmed said he has no regrets and would not consider returning to government service.
His words: “I could not continue working in an administration where the primary challenges of the country — poverty and insecurity, were being neglected.”
He criticized the administration’s lack of commitment to addressing Nigeria’s most urgent issues and reiterated his desire to maintain political integrity.
“I do not want to be seen as one of those politicians who move from one party to another for personal gain.”