“Even as One of His Spokespersons, I Had No Access — But Jandor, Davido Who Insulted Him Got a Sit-Down,” Tinubu’s Former Aide Laments

By Arthur Maduka

Audu Aliyu, former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has openly declared his intention to oppose Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing deep dissatisfaction with his experience in the administration.

Speaking on Arise Television’s *Prime Time* on Thursday, Audu claimed he worked in Tinubu’s government for almost two years without having a single sit-down with the President, despite serving as one of his spokespersons. The former aide expressed frustration over the lack of access to the President, especially when contrasted with recent high-profile visits to Tinubu by entertainment and political figures.

“I worked for the President for nearly two years. I didn’t have a sit-down with him. I’m one of his spokespersons. But he sat with Davido, who insulted him a couple of weeks before. Then he sat with that Jandor, who didn’t even come second in the Lagos election. It doesn’t make sense,” Audu said.

His comments came just days after he formally resigned from his position in the Presidency. Five days prior to his resignation, Tinubu hosted Afrobeat star Davido and his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. In March, Tinubu also met with Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (popularly known as Jandor), who ran against Tinubu’s party in the 2023 Lagos governorship race as the PDP candidate but has since left the party.

Audu, who also leads the APC Rebirth Movement, has been vocal about internal reforms and disillusionment within the ruling party. His recent statements signal a growing divide within the President’s former inner circle as preparations for the next general election begin to take shape.