Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has officially resigned from his position, citing concerns over what he perceives as a disturbing trend toward establishing a one-party state in Nigeria. Audu’s resignation took effect immediately and was communicated through a letter dated June 8, 2025, submitted to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

In a candid statement released shortly after his resignation, Audu articulated that his decision was rooted in deep personal conviction and an increasing discomfort with the political direction of the current administration. He acknowledged his support for the ongoing economic reforms led by the Tinubu government but asserted that he could not, in good conscience, remain part of an administration he believes is constraining the nation’s democratic landscape.

“I am not defecting to the PDP or any other opposition party,” Audu clarified, “but I also cannot lend my name to efforts that seem determined to crush alternative political voices.”

The former presidential aide expressed concern about various political realignments and decisions that he believes are aimed at consolidating power within a single dominant party. He emphasized that such moves contradict Nigeria’s democratic principles and could threaten to reverse decades of political progress.

“True leadership,” he remarked, “encourages the free contest of ideas, diversity of thought, and a fair playing field for all political actors — not the silencing or weakening of opposition.”

Reiterating that his resignation was not an act of rebellion, Audu framed it as a necessary step driven by a sense of duty and moral responsibility. He cautioned that Nigeria’s history has repeatedly shown the dangers of narrowing its political space and insisted that current trends must be reversed for democracy to truly flourish.

Despite stepping down from his official role, Audu pledged to remain engaged in national discourse and political debates, continuing his commitment to Nigeria’s democratic values from outside the corridors of power.