The Southerner
OPEN EYES

Nigerian politics has no shortage of speeches, but it has far too few examples of people who act on what they say. Engr. Aliyu Audu is one such example. He held a coveted post at the heart of the Presidency and gave it up because his conscience would not let him stay. The moment deserves attention well beyond party lines, because it shows what principled public service looks like and should be.

The record is clear. Audu was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs in October 2023. On June 8, 2025, he resigned with immediate effect through the Chief of Staff. His letter was courteous and grateful, and he made no scandal of his exit. In a separate statement he called the decision “not a rebellion” but an act of conscience. He said that, though he does not align with the PDP, he refused to be used as an instrument to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state. That is the mark of a man who weighs each issue on its merits instead of following a camp.

Truth be told, without absolute patriotism to Nigeria, very few people would willingly resign from a glorious presidential position over a difference in ideology. Such positions bring influence, access and security, and walking away from them takes a love of country that cannot be faked. Whatever one thinks of his politics, his character is beyond doubt; he is courteous in departure, firm on principle, and fair to those he disagrees with. These qualities are only for quintessential leaders.

That is why Aliyu Audu’s consistency finds a natural home beside that of the ADC’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, whom supporters describe as a man of his word.

Two public commitments illustrate the point. In August 2025, Atiku said he would run in the 2027 presidential contest despite reports that he might opt out, and he did. A month later, the ADC’s presidential hopefuls agreed to back whoever won the primary. Atiku won the primary, and his closest rival, Rotimi Amaechi, now stands beside him as running mate. A candidate who honours such pledges, and a campaign support groups director who honoured his conscience, make a credible pairing.

Credibility is only worth something if it comes with a plan, and Atiku has put one on the table. His 12-point agenda covers the economy, education, local government autonomy, transportation, electricity, job creation, security, agriculture, healthcare and restructuring of the federal system.

On the economy, he has said he will anchor policy on job creation, private sector growth, fiscal discipline and stable macroeconomic policies that attract investment. He has also described the energy crisis as a drag on the whole economy and promised to remove obstacles to investment. On security, he proposes intelligence-driven operations, stronger inter-agency coordination and decentralized policing structures, along with better welfare and equipment for security personnel. On education, he has promised free and compulsory schooling at primary and secondary levels, which would address the millions of children currently out of school.

For young Nigerians, the platform has particular weight. Atiku proposes a $10 billion startup and entrepreneurship financing programme to widen access to capital, and he promises a larger share of appointments and economic opportunities for youths and women. HAudu’s task is to carry this message to the groups that make a campaign real; students, artisans, professional associations, women’s groups and volunteers.

He is well placed to do it. As a former presidential communicator, he understands how public messaging works, and his reputation gives him the trust that no advertisement can buy.

The lesson for a new generation goes beyond any single election. Nigeria will not be rebuilt by people who treat politics as a game of loyalty and reward at the detriment of the masses and nation. It will be rebuilt by people who say what they mean and act on it, as Audu did when he resigned, and as voters have every right to demand that any candidate does once in office.

To crown this all, as we approach 2027 general elections, Nigerians should hold on to the standards that befits her identity. An Atiku/Amaechi Presidency would be all encompassing and ease the economic pressures currently being faced by millions of households. It is time to reward politics of principle, plans and promises kept. May the sun rise tomorrow.