BY JENNIFER EZIMAKOR

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Public Affairs, Aliyu Audu, has formally resigned his position, citing deep concerns over what he described as the ruling party’s drift towards a one-party system and suppression of political opposition in Nigeria.

Audu’s resignation letter dated June 8, was submitted through the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

“I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, effective immediately,” he stated.

While the letter was succinct, a more detailed public statement followed, offering insight into his reasons for stepping down.

Audu made it clear that his decision was not driven by rebellion, but by principle.

“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 said.

Audu expressed unease with what he sees as a growing intolerance for dissent within the political landscape, cautioning against authoritarian tendencies that echo earlier eras.

“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,” he warned.

He emphasised that democracy thrives on ideological plurality, not political monopoly, and described the erosion of opposition space as both “politically reckless” and “spiritually dangerous.”

While Audu offered support for certain economic reforms under Tinubu’s leadership, he drew a line at the political direction the administration appears to be taking.

He specifically criticised the alliance between the President and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, calling it inconsistent with 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 said.

Audu’s resignation is certain to add a significant layer to ongoing discussions regarding the status of Nigeria’s democracy and the ruling party’s intentions towards the nation.