THE former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, Aliyu Audu, has openly declared his intention to campaign against Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing a divergence in principles and governance style.
Speaking in an interview today, Audu disclosed that his resignation from the administration was motivated by a deep sense of duty and a vision for a more inclusive Nigeria.
According to him, his decision reflects a commitment to values greater than personal loyalty or political gain.
“It’s about believing that Nigeria is not beyond fixing… I would rather face an uncertain future than be certain about an immoral today,” he stated.
Audu strongly criticised the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of favouring political retaliation over national unity. He argued that the government had deviated from its campaign promises and betrayed the trust of those who believed in its original vision.
He also questioned the ongoing political alliance between Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—an alliance he acknowledged may have been necessary during the election but now sees as politically questionable.
Reflecting on historical political struggles, Audu drew parallels between Tinubu’s resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s dominance in the Southwest and what he perceives as Tinubu’s current adoption of similar strong-arm tactics.
“We know what former President Obasanjo did—how he muscled his way into taking the entire Southwest… Tinubu survived it. But now, he seems to be repeating those same tactics.”
When asked if Tinubu’s recent comments about turning Nigeria into a one-party state influenced his decision, Audu affirmed that the statement solidified his resolve.
“It confirmed it on one hand and on the other, 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,” he said.
Audu said: “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.”
Audu’s remarks signal rising dissent within the political ranks as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape.