Aliyu Audu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has stepped down, cautioning against what he terms an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to transform Nigeria into a one-party state.
Audu submitted his resignation in a letter dated June 8, 2025, through the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a personal statement accompanying his resignation, Audu made it clear that his decision was driven by his conscience, rather than a desire to switch political parties.
While distancing himself from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Audu underscored his strong opposition to attempts to silence opposition voices and undermine Nigeria’s democracy, warning that stifling political competition would be detrimental and advocating for a political culture centered on idea-based contests and integrity.
“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.
Audu expressed continued support for the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, but voiced disapproval of the current political alliances within the ruling party, specifically the partnership between President Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike.
“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 said.
“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.”
Audu called for leadership that embraces ideological diversity, noting that suppressing alternative voices is not leadership but a regression that runs contrary to the divine order, which upholds freedom of choice and diversity of thought.
In the letter, Audu wrote: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately.
“I remain deeply grateful to you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve my fatherland under your visionary leadership. I especially wish to thank Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, whose confidence in me despite our brief acquaintance led to my nomination on the 26th of August, 2023. I am equally thankful to Your Excellency for graciously approving my appointment on the 9th of October, 2023.”
“It has been an honour to contribute to the public communication efforts of this administration. Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and continued prayers for the success of your leadership and the progress of our beloved nation,” the statement added.
