Aliyu Audu, the former Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has disclosed that he resigned from the administration with the intention of opposing Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
During his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Audu emphasised that his decision was motivated by principled beliefs and a vision for a more inclusive Nigeria.
He stated, “I think it’s a matter of principle and living for something greater than oneself. It’s about believing that Nigeria is not beyond fixing. It’s about knowing what loyalty is, to what and to whom loyalty should be absolute.”
“Being bold enough to make a decision even if it comes at a personal cost. Even if the future is uncertain, I would rather face an uncertain future than be certain about an immoral today,” he said.
He criticised the Tinubu-led government for allegedly prioritising revenge over national unity, claiming the administration has strayed from the promises made during the campaign.
Audu referenced the political alliance between Tinubu and the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as one that was once necessary but is now questionable.
He also alluded to Tinubu’s resistance against the Obasanjo-era dominance in the Southwest, but accused the current president of now repeating similar political tactics.
“It is no news that there was some sort of relationship between the former governor of Rivers State, who is the current Minister of FCT, and the current president. In all honesty, there were many justifying reasons behind that because we were heading for the election and the only thing bigger at that time was ensuring we put our best foot forward. Clearly, from 1998 till date, there has been no better leader than the current president politically and administratively.
“It was a hard-fought battle and everything was against us. It also seemed like our party was against us. It took the belief of a few people who understood what we needed and the kind of president we needed to succeed the former president to keep us on that track of actualising Nigeria. It was a hard fight and we won. God blessed us with victory. We were to unite the country and relieve the country as a people in victory.
“But when it gets to a stage where our leading figure (the President) prioritises revenge over collective progress. We know what PDP did to the opposition between 2003 and 2007, specifically. We know what former President Olusegun Obasanjo did as president—how he muscled his way into taking the entire Southwest, which was manned by this man (Tinubu) at the time. It didn’t just stop there and it went on, but he (Tinubu) survived it.”
When asked if Tinubu’s recent comments about building a one-party state influenced his decision to leave, Audu said, “It confirmed it on one hand and on the other hand, it strengthened my resolve not to work for him in 2027. I couldn’t in good conscience remain in his government while plotting his removal. Because I will.”
“By God, we will remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. We will reinstall a leader chosen by the people, not imposed. It won’t be Emi lo kan — it will be Gbogbo wa lo kan (it’s everyone’s turn),” he added.
