Aliyu Audu has stepped down as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu, citing concerns over rising political intolerance.
He warned against attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party country.
Aliyu Audu, a Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Public Affairs, has officially stepped down from his position, citing deep concerns over the direction of Nigeria’s political landscape. His resignation, dated June 8, 2025, was submitted through the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a public statement following the resignation, Audu explained that his decision was rooted in personal conviction and a desire to uphold democratic values. He made it clear that his move was not out of rebellion, but rather a principled stand against the growing trend of suppressing political opposition in Nigeria.
“I am not a supporter of the PDP,” Audu said, “but I cannot be a tool in any agenda that seeks to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. That would go against everything I believe in.”
Audu expressed disappointment with what he described as attempts to silence dissenting voices within the political space. He recalled similar concerns raised during the Obasanjo administration in 2003, cautioning that repeating such actions would contradict the very ideals President Tinubu once fought for.
According to Audu, democracy thrives when multiple ideologies are allowed to compete, not when one party dominates all political discourse. He called the ongoing political strategy “reckless” and said it could lead to long-term harm, not only politically but also morally.
While he praised some of the administration’s economic policies, Audu emphasized that his issue was with the political direction the country appeared to be heading. He particularly criticized the political alliance between President Tinubu and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as inconsistent with progressive principles.
He stated, “We simply disagree on political ideology. I consider myself a progressive and a strong believer in democracy. Unfortunately, those values seem to be getting lost in the growing alliance between the President and Wike.”
Audu’s resignation has sparked conversations across political circles, with many viewing it as a bold stand for the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
