Aliyu Audu, former Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Public Affairs, has publicly declared his intention to oppose the President’s re-election bid in 2027. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Aliyu Audu explained that his recent resignation from Tinubu’s administration was driven by principle and a higher calling to national interest over political loyalty.
“It’s about believing that Nigeria is not beyond fixing,” Aliyu Audu stated. “Even if the future is uncertain, I would rather face that than stay in a government I no longer believe in.” He described his departure as a personal sacrifice, acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with such bold decisions but insisting it was a necessary step to preserve integrity and hope for a better Nigeria.
He emphasized that loyalty must be directed not toward any individual, but toward ideals that unite the country. “It’s about knowing what loyalty is, to what and to whom loyalty should be absolute,” he said, adding that Nigeria needs leadership that prioritizes inclusive progress over personal or political gain.
Aliyu Audu criticized Tinubu’s Governance Style
Aliyu Audu criticized the Tinubu administration for what he described as a pattern of political revenge and divisive governance, claiming the presidency has strayed from its campaign promises of unity and national development. According to him, the government is more focused on settling political scores than healing the nation.
The former aide recalled the painful years between 2003 and 2007, when the opposition suffered under alleged political suppression from the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. Aliyu Audu accused Tinubu of adopting the same tactics he once resisted. “We know what former President Obasanjo did as president—how he muscled his way into taking the entire Southwest, which was manned by this man (Tinubu) at the time,” he recounted. “But now, Tinubu is becoming what he once fought against.”
Aliyu Audu warned that the administration’s approach to political dominance and exclusion is damaging the democratic structure of the country, particularly pointing to Tinubu’s recent hints at creating a one-party state. He said such comments further confirmed his decision to step away from the government.
A Changing View on Political Alliances
Aliyu Audu also addressed Tinubu’s political alliance with the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, calling it one that was once necessary but now questionable. He explained that while the partnership may have been strategic ahead of the 2023 elections, it no longer aligns with the original goals of uniting the country and implementing meaningful reforms.
“It was a hard-fought battle,” Aliyu Audu admitted. “Everything was against us—even our own party at the time. But we believed in Tinubu, and we believed he would steer Nigeria toward true progress.” However, he lamented that the administration has veered from that vision, now prioritizing personal political consolidation over the welfare of the masses.
The shift in priorities, he said, is evident in the current governance style. “We were to relieve the country in victory,” he said, “but now it appears victory was only for a few.”Aliyu Audu maintained that Nigeria deserves better, and he intends to be part of a movement that redirects the nation’s political trajectory.
Opposition to 2027 Re-election Ambitions
When asked whether Tinubu’s recent political maneuvers were the final straw, Aliyu Audu responded affirmatively. He said the President’s remarks about consolidating power into a single-party state “confirmed it on one hand and strengthened my resolve on the other.”
Aliyu Audu made no effort to conceal his future plans: “By God, we will remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” he declared. “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 reiterated that remaining in government while actively opposing it would have been hypocritical. Hence, he chose to exit openly and confront the administration from the outside. “I couldn’t in good conscience remain in his government while plotting his removal. Because I will,” he said firmly.
A New Political Mission Ahead
With his declaration, Aliyu Audu positions himself not just as a critic but as a key figure in what may become a broader political opposition movement ahead of the 2027 general elections. He signaled readiness to align with others who share his vision of a fair, inclusive Nigeria.
Aliyu Audu’s statements suggest he may be rallying support for a new political alternative. “We need a leader for all Nigerians—not just for a select elite,” he said. “It’s time for a presidency that reflects the hopes of the many, not the ambitions of the few.”
As the political climate heats up ahead of 2027, Aliyu Audu’s bold move marks one of the earliest—and most vocal—departures from within Tinubu’s camp. Whether he emerges as a unifying opposition figure or part of a larger realignment remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is clear: a former insider has turned into a determined challenger
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
