Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has tendered his resignation, just days after publicly defending Tinubu’s policies and urging Nigerians to be patient, citing a moral conflict with the administration’s direction.
In a formal resignation letter dated June 8, 2025, Audu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve but offered no specific explanation for his immediate departure.
“I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately,” the letter read. He also thanked Tinubu for approving his appointment on October 9, 2023, upon the recommendation of former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
“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.”
Shortly after the announcement, a personal statement by Audu emerged online, shedding more light on his decision. In it, he clarified that his resignation was not an act of rebellion, but one grounded in principle.
“I have seen many comments about my resignation, and I must say it is not an act of rebellion but of conscience,” Audu stated.
“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 favour and democratic principle.”
He emphasized the need for political plurality, warning against the dangers of silencing opposition voices.
“Suppressing alternative voices is not leadership—it is regression. True democracy thrives on healthy competition, not political domination,” he said, invoking past political failures for comparison.
Audu also criticized what he called the “unholy alliance” between President Tinubu and Nyesom Wike, implying it marked a departure from the administration’s original progressive values.
“We just differ on political views,” he added. “That does not mean our gbas gbos will seize o. We still here for the attacks and counterattacks.”
Despite his resignation, Audu reaffirmed support for some of the administration’s policies, particularly its economic reforms. He notably appeared on Channels TV’s The Beam just a week earlier, defending Tinubu’s economic strategy.
“I honestly think that in another four to six years, a lot of jobs will be created,” he said, citing initiatives like the ₦100 billion Nigerian Credit Guarantee Scheme.
His exit raises questions about internal dissent within the Tinubu administration as it navigates complex political alliances and public expectations.
