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
Aliyu Audu has formally resigned from his position as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Public Affairs.
His resignation was officially communicated in a letter dated June 8, 2025, which was submitted through the Chief of Staff to the President. According to the contents of the letter, the resignation takes immediate effect.
In the statement, Audu underscored that his decision was rooted in principle rather than political affiliation. He emphasized that while he remains unaffiliated with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he cannot in good conscience contribute—directly or indirectly—to any effort that risks reducing Nigeria to a one-party system.
“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,” he wrote. “That would be a betrayal of both divine favour and democratic principle.”
Audu expressed deep concern about what he perceives as a trend toward political domination and the suppression of dissent. Drawing parallels to historical precedents, he warned against repeating the mistakes of past administrations.
“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 criticised under Obasanjo in 2003. Such a path is not only politically reckless; it is spiritually dangerous,” he noted.
He went further to assert that the true strength of a democratic nation lies in ideological diversity and competition, not in enforced uniformity.
“Let us build a Nigeria where our strength lies not in uniformity, but in the maturity to compete with ideas, vision, and integrity. Only then can we truly say we are progressing.”
Referencing divine order and the balance of belief and disbelief permitted by God, Audu invoked a spiritual dimension to his critique.
“God, in His wisdom, allows even belief and disbelief to coexist. Why then should we, mere mortals, fear ideological pluralism?”
Despite stepping down, Audu affirmed his continued support for the administration’s economic reforms, stating that his departure was not due to a lack of belief in the government’s developmental strides, but rather a matter of political divergence.
“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. We just differ on political views as I pride myself with being a progressive and a promoter of democratic values.”
He also expressed disapproval of what he referred to as the “unholy alliance” between President Tinubu and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, indicating that this relationship is symptomatic of the deviation from true progressive ideals.
“That does not mean our gbas gbos will cease o. We are still here for the attacks and counterattacks. Oya Agbadorians, over to you,” he added, using colloquial expressions to hint at ongoing political debate and confrontation.
As of the time this report was compiled, the Presidency has not released any official statement in response to Audu’s resignation.