Aliyu Audu, a Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has resigned from his post, warning against what he described as the gradual erosion of Nigeria’s democratic values and the rise of a de facto one-party state.
Audu’s resignation, contained in a letter dated June 8, 2025, was reportedly submitted to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. In a strongly worded personal statement that accompanied the letter, Audu said his decision was driven by conscience, not defection.
“I am not defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” he clarified. “I simply cannot, in good conscience, continue to serve in a government that appears intent on muzzling dissent and promoting a one-party system.”
Audu, who was appointed in October 2023 following his nomination by then-presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, expressed concern over the political direction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the growing alliance between President Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“We differ politically because I consider myself a progressive and a promoter of democratic values—values I believe are being eroded in the unholy alliance between PBAT and Wike,” he said, using the president’s initials.
Despite resigning, Audu expressed support for Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they reflected efforts to stabilize the country. However, he drew a line at what he viewed as the shrinking space for opposition and alternative views.
“Muzzling other voices in the political space is not leadership,” he said. “It is regression. Leadership should accommodate ideological diversity, not suppress it.”
In his resignation letter, Audu thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and expressed appreciation to Ngelale for trusting him with the role.
“It has been an honour to contribute to the public communication efforts of this administration,” the letter read. “I remain deeply grateful to you, Mr. President, and will continue to pray for the success of your leadership.”
Audu’s resignation is the latest in a series of internal criticisms from party insiders uneasy with the APC’s current political strategy. His remarks are likely to fuel ongoing debates around Wike’s growing influence and what critics describe as attempts to weaken Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
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