Mr. Aliyu Audu has officially resigned from his position as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, citing deep concerns over what he described as attempts to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state.
Audu’s resignation letter, dated June 8, 2025, was submitted through the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. In the letter, Audu stated simply: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately.”
In a detailed statement accompanying the letter, Audu clarified that his resignation was not an act of rebellion, but a matter of personal conviction.
“I have seen many comments about my resignation, and I must say it is not an act of rebellion but of conscience,” he wrote. “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.”
Audu warned against the suppression of dissent and political competition, which he described as both “politically reckless” and “spiritually dangerous.”
“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,” he noted. “True democracy thrives on healthy competition, not political domination.”
He emphasized the importance of upholding justice, balance, and liberty, adding that “suppressing alternative voices is not leadership; it is regression.”
“God, in His wisdom, allows even belief and disbelief to coexist. Why then should we, mere mortals, fear ideological pluralism?” he queried.
Despite his resignation, Audu reiterated his continued support for the administration’s economic reforms, highlighting his role in bringing the government to power and his belief in some of its achievements.
“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,” he said, referring to the alliance between President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Ending on a lighter note, Audu acknowledged the political debates that may follow his decision: “That does not mean our gbas gbos will seize o. We’re still here for the attacks and counterattacks. Oya, Agbadorians, over to you.”
His resignation has sparked discussions across political circles, with many interpreting it as a bold stand for democratic integrity in a climate of increasing political consolidation.
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