Aliyu Audu, a former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has expressed strong disappointment over his inability to gain audience with the President throughout his time in office. Audu revealed that despite serving as one of Tinubu's spokespersons for almost two years, he was never granted a personal meeting with the President.
The Controversy
Audu's frustration stems from Tinubu's recent meetings with popular Nigerian musician Davido and Lagos politician Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, commonly known as Jandor. Audu finds it puzzling that the President would meet with these individuals, particularly Davido, who had allegedly insulted Tinubu in the past, while denying him access.
Jandor's Meeting with Tinubu
Jandor, a former PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos, met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which took place behind closed doors, has sparked speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections ¹.
Audu's Reaction
Audu has vowed to actively oppose Tinubu's re-election efforts, citing the President's apparent disregard for his aides. "I worked for the President for almost two years. I never got the chance to have a face-to-face with him. I was one of his spokespersons, yet he sat down with Davido, who had even insulted him some weeks before, and then also met Jandor, who didn't even come second in the Lagos election. It simply doesn't add up," Audu stated during an interview on Arise Television's Prime Time program ².
Implications
Audu's comments have sparked conversation about how presidential aides are treated and why celebrity and political connections sometimes seem to take priority over those serving within the inner government circle. The controversy highlights a growing rift between presidential appointees who feel sidelined and the presidency's preference for high-profile guests and political realignments ².
