Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, Aliyu Audu, has resigned from his position, citing concerns over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s push toward a one-party state. In his resignation letter dated June 8, Audu stated, “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately.”

Audu clarified that his resignation was not an act of rebellion but a matter of principle and conscience. He expressed unease with the growing effort to stifle political opposition in Nigeria, saying, “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 criticized the current administration’s approach to dissent, warning against authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of past regimes. “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,” Audu said.

Audu emphasized that democracy must be anchored in ideological diversity rather than political dominance, calling the suppression of opposition voices “politically reckless” and “spiritually dangerous.” While acknowledging support for some of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, Audu stated he could no longer align himself with the administration’s political direction.

Audu specifically pointed to the “unholy alliance” between President Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as emblematic of a broader departure from progressive values. “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 stated.