Aliyu Audu, other presidential aides who quit Tinubu’s govt
President Bola Tinubu continues to make the headlines ahead of the 2027 election.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made sweeping appointments to strengthen governance and policy implementation across the federal government.
However, nearly a year into his administration, a few high-profile aides have tendered their resignations—some quietly, others triggering calls for reform. Below are the top presidential aides who have resigned, and the reasons behind their exits.
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed: A Quiet Exit with a Loud Message
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, resigned from his post in April 2025. Appointed in September 2023, Baba-Ahmed served for about 17 months before stepping down. His exit sparked debate not only because of his prominent background—as the spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum—but because of the manner in which he announced it.
In a candid tweet, Baba-Ahmed noted that he could not “collect a salary and just sit idle,” suggesting a lack of clear responsibilities within the administration. He thanked the president and vice president for the opportunity but stated that it was time to move on. His resignation amplified concerns that some aides in the presidency may be underutilised or occupying redundant roles. Civil society groups, such as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), used the moment to call on Tinubu to prune what they described as an “over-bloated list of presidential aides.”
Aliyu Audu: Loyalty and Departure in One Breath
Another recent resignation came from Aliyu Audu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs. Audu submitted his resignation on June 8, 2025, effective immediately. Unlike Baba-Ahmed’s resignation, Audu’s exit was more formal and diplomatic. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the privilege to serve and pledged continued support through prayers and goodwill.
Audu, a former spokesperson for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was reportedly appointed on the recommendation of Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s lead spokesperson. His departure, while not controversial, further highlights the quiet reshuffling taking place within the corridors of power—possibly as part of a broader re-evaluation of roles and responsibilities.
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Ajuri Ngelale: From Media Spokesperson to Climate Envoy
Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, also exited his core role—albeit temporarily. On September 7, 2024, he took indefinite leave to attend to urgent health matters affecting his immediate family. While this wasn’t a resignation in the traditional sense, it marked his exit from daily media duties.
Interestingly, Ngelale retained his other appointments, including as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Project Evergreen. His partial departure created room for speculation on whether media and public communication from the presidency would shift direction or tone.
Calls for Reform: Beyond Individual Exits
While these are the most prominent resignations so far, critics and civic groups argue that the issue goes deeper. With more than 60 special assistants, senior special assistants, and advisers appointed under Tinubu, concerns have been raised about duplication of duties, inefficiency, and unnecessary expenditure.
The resignation of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed in particular stirred calls for a reassessment of presidential staffing. HURIWA and other stakeholders urged President Tinubu to not only reduce the size of his aide corps but also ensure that each appointee has a well-defined and impactful role.