Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has resigned from his position. In a resignation letter dated June 8, which was submitted via the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Audu stated, “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately.”
In a subsequent public statement, Audu explained that his resignation was based on principle and conscience. He noted his concerns regarding efforts to limit political opposition in Nigeria.
Audu stated that although he does not align with the PDP, he opposes being used to create a one-party state in Nigeria, as it would contradict both divine favor and democratic principles.
Audu criticized the current administration’s handling of dissent, cautioning against authoritarian approaches similar to past regimes. He noted that silencing opposition due to political advantage mirrors the systems criticized under Obasanjo in 2003.
Audu stressed the importance of ideological diversity in democracy over political dominance, describing the suppression of opposition voices as politically reckless and spiritually harmful.
While Audu expressed support for some of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, he indicated his disapproval of the administration’s political direction. He highlighted the alliance between President Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as a departure from progressive values.
He remarked that his differing political views stem from his commitment to promoting democratic values, which he believes are compromised by the alliance between President Tinubu and Wike.
Audu’s resignation came after Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), resigned as political adviser to President Tinubu in March.
