ALIYU AUDU RESIGNS AS SSA TO PRESIDENT TINUBU

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Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has officially tendered his resignation. His decision, according to a formal letter dated June 8, 2025, and submitted through the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was rooted in deep concerns about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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RESIGNATION GUIDED BY CONSCIENCE, NOT POLITICAL DEFECTION

In a personal statement released alongside his resignation, Audu clarified that his departure was not a result of defection to another political party. Rather, he emphasized that it was guided by conscience and a commitment to democratic principles. He categorically rejected any affiliation with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while condemning the shrinking space for opposition voices.

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WARNING AGAINST ONE-PARTY DOMINANCE

Audu expressed alarm over what he described as a coordinated attempt to erode Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and establish a one-party state. He warned that such a development would be detrimental to national unity, democratic progress, and public accountability.

“While I hold no affiliation with the PDP, I cannot in good conscience allow myself to become an instrument—directly or indirectly—for enabling the emergence of a one-party state. Such a path would constitute a betrayal of both divine providence and the foundational principles of democracy,” he said.

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SUPPORT FOR ECONOMIC REFORMS, NOT POLITICAL ALLIANCES

Despite his resignation, Audu reiterated his support for President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, stating that he remains aligned with the administration’s economic vision. However, he expressed strong disagreement with its current political strategy—particularly the alliance between President Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“I remain committed to supporting this administration’s economic initiatives, not merely because of my role in its success, but because I believe in the progress made. However, our views diverge significantly on matters of political ideology,” he stated.

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CRITICISM OF THE TINUBU-WIKE PARTNERSHIP

Audu labeled the political alliance between Tinubu and Wike as an “unholy partnership” that contradicts the progressive ideals upon which the APC was founded. He emphasized that the alliance undermines the values of integrity, ideological consistency, and inclusive governance.

“As someone who identifies as a progressive and a proponent of democratic governance, I find the alliance between President Tinubu and Minister Wike deeply troubling. It reflects a departure from the values of inclusiveness and integrity that we ought to uphold.”

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CALL FOR IDEOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND DEMOCRATIC TOLERANCE

Concluding his statement, Audu called on Nigeria’s leaders to promote ideological diversity and respect for dissenting opinions. He argued that true leadership must embrace freedom of thought and protect democratic dialogue, rather than suppress it.

“Leadership must honor the divine principle of free will and recognize the importance of diverse viewpoints in governance. Silencing opposition is not a mark of strength, but of democratic decay,” he declared.