Former Tinubu Aide Vows to Oppose President’s 2027 Re-election Bid

Audu Aliyu, the former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has announced plans to campaign against Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. His decision comes after nearly two years of what he described as being denied direct access to the President, despite holding a key communication role within the administration.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time show on Thursday, Aliyu expressed deep frustration over being sidelined during his tenure. He recently stepped down from his role, citing a lack of engagement and appreciation for his contributions.

Aliyu revealed that during his service as one of the President’s spokespersons, he was never granted a personal meeting with Tinubu. Instead, he pointed out, individuals such as music star David Adeleke (popularly known as Davido) and Lagos politician Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor) had direct access to the President — a situation he found both puzzling and disheartening.

“I worked for the President for nearly two years and never had a sit-down with him,” Aliyu said. “I’m one of his spokespersons, but he met with Davido, who insulted him weeks earlier, and with Jandor, who didn’t even place second in the Lagos election. It doesn’t make sense.”

Aliyu, who also leads the APC Rebirth Movement, has been openly critical of Tinubu’s leadership and the direction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused the party of straying from its founding principles, particularly in terms of internal democracy and inclusiveness.

Just five days before Aliyu’s resignation, President Tinubu hosted Davido and his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, at his private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. Earlier in March, the President also met with Jandor, who had recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after running as its candidate in the 2023 Lagos governorship race.