The Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the President, Aliyu Audu, has resigned from his position, citing fears that the country was drifting towards a one-party state under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Audu, who tendered his resignation letter dated June 8 to the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated that his decision was borne out of personal conviction and not driven by political defection from the APC.
He distanced himself from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and emphasised his firm rejection of moves aimed at silencing opposition voices in the country.
The presidential aide said though he refuses to be a tool for turning Nigeria into a one-party state, he would continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to move the country out of the woods.
He wrote: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately.
“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.
“After all that God has done for us as a nation, especially in these times, we owe it to Him and to posterity to uphold values that reflect justice, balance, and liberty. True democracy thrives on healthy competition, not political domination.
“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.
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“And it runs contrary to the divine order, which upholds freedom of choice and diversity of thought. God, in His wisdom, allows even belief and disbelief to coexist. Why then should we, mere mortals, fear ideological pluralism?”
Audu called for leadership that embraces ideological diversity, noting that suppressing alternative voices is not leadership but a regression that runs contrary to the divine order, which upholds freedom of choice and diversity of thought.
“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. May Allah SWT forgive us our shortcomings and direct us on the path of righteousness.
“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,” Audu added.
While expressing continued support for the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, Audu voiced disapproval of the current political alliances within the ruling party, particularly the partnership between President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“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.
“I remain deeply grateful to you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve my fatherland under your visionary leadership. I especially wish to thank Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, whose confidence in me despite our brief acquaintance led to my nomination on the 26th of August, 2023. I am equally thankful to Your Excellency for graciously approving my appointment on the 9th of October, 2023.
“It has been an honour to contribute to the public communication efforts of this administration. Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and continued prayers for the success of your leadership and the progress of our beloved nation,” the presidential aide concluded.
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