PULL-OUT: Tinubu’s SSA resigns over claim democratic values lost in President’s ‘unholy alliance’ with Wike

By KEMI KASUMU

Audu tendered his resignation via a letter dated June 8, 2025, submitted through the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In what appears to be the beginning of predicted implosion from within and pull out by insiders of Bola Tinubu’s government, his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Affairs, Aliyu Audu, has officially resigned, voluntarily, ceasing to continue working for the presidency.

He did this warning against what he described as an attempt to transform Nigeria into a one-party state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Audu tendered his resignation via a letter dated June 8, 2025, submitted through the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In a personal statement accompanying his resignation, Audu clarified that his decision was not driven by political defection but by conscience.

While distancing himself from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Audu emphasised his firm rejection of moves aimed at silencing opposition voices and undermining Nigeria’s democratic fabric.

Audu further warned of the dangers of stifling political competition, calling for a political culture based on the contest of ideas and integrity.

“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 favor and democratic principle,” he said.

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.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

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.

In the letter, Audu wrote: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately.

“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 statement added.