Aliyu Audu, a prominent northern political figure and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has resigned from his position, citing deep concerns over what he called a creeping attempt to convert Nigeria into a one-party state.
In a resignation letter dated June 8, submitted through the Office of the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Audu pointedly criticized the current political direction of the Tinubu-led government, singling out the growing alliance between President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a troubling signal.
While maintaining his loyalty to the economic policies of the administration, Audu said his departure was driven by conscience rather than political ambition or alignment with opposition parties.
“This decision is not about defection. I do not align with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Audu stated in a personal note accompanying his resignation. “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, known for his strong stance on democratic integrity, warned against the marginalization of opposition voices and stressed the importance of ideological diversity in governance. He described the alliance between Tinubu and Wike, a former PDP stalwart, as “unholy” and a departure from the core values of progressive politics.
“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, using the initials of the President’s full name, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Despite his resignation, Audu reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, acknowledging the strides made in that sector. However, he argued that political expediency should not come at the cost of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“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. “But leadership must embrace ideological diversity. Suppressing alternative voices is not leadership — it is regression.”
In his formal resignation letter, Audu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve, particularly thanking former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, for his nomination.
“It has been an honour to contribute to the public communication efforts of this administration,” he wrote. “Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and continued prayers for the success of your leadership and the progress of our beloved nation.”
Audu’s departure adds to growing internal dissent within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and intensifies scrutiny of Tinubu’s political strategy, especially his partnership with Wike — a move that has sparked both intrigue and criticism across party lines.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex political currents, Audu’s resignation underscores a broader tension between pragmatism and principle in the nation’s democratic journey.