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By Christian George
As Nigeria’s political climate heats up ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is grappling not just with external criticism, but also with internal discontent. In recent months, three of his influential aides have exited the presidency, each under different circumstances—but all pointing to growing fractures within the ruling circle.
While the president has made some political inroads—successfully wooing opposition governors like Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom into the All Progressives Congress (APC)—his administration has also suffered the loss of key media and political voices that once played pivotal roles in his governance and image-building efforts.
Here’s a look at why three prominent presidential aides walked away from Tinubu’s inner circle: 1. Ajuri Ngelale — A Sudden Exit Amid Personal Crisis
Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and official spokesperson, was among the most visible faces of the administration. His unexpected announcement of an indefinite leave, delivered in a memo received by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila on September 7, 2024, raised eyebrows across political circles.
Ngelale attributed his decision to a deteriorating medical condition affecting a close family member. “I made this difficult decision after consulting with my family,” he explained, adding that “the timing is unfortunate, but my family’s health takes priority.” While the statement was personal, political observers note the timing of his departure coincided with intensifying backlash against Tinubu’s economic policies 2. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed — Aide-Turned-Critic
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a respected political figure and former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, resigned as the president’s Political Adviser in April 2025. Although officially described as a personal decision, Baba-Ahmed’s recent comments revealed deeper political disillusionment.
He had publicly criticised Tinubu’s leadership and advocated for a stronger opposition to challenge the administration. His departure signaled not just a resignation, but a shift in allegiance—and possibly, a brewing ideological split within the presidency’s northern support base 3. Aliyu Audu — From Insider to Opponent
Perhaps the most politically charged exit came from Aliyu Audu, the president’s Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs. In a letter dated June 8, 2025, Audu made his intentions clear: he resigned to actively campaign against President Tinubu’s re-election.
“The next general election will no longer be an ‘Emi lo kan’ affair,” Audu declared, referencing Tinubu’s now-iconic campaign slogan meaning “it’s my turn.” He added, “It will be a ‘Gbogbo wa lo kan’ affair”—translating to “it’s all of our turn.” His message pointed to a populist shift and a rejection of what he described as the entitlement politics that carried Tinubu to power in 2023
What Their Departures Mean
While each aide offered distinct reasons for stepping away, their exits reflect broader undercurrents of dissatisfaction within the presidency. Whether driven by personal conviction, political repositioning, or internal disagreements, the loss of these high-profile voices has allegedly exposed cracks in the administration’s foundation—and raised questions about President Tinubu’s ability to maintain a united front heading into 2027.
With defections on both sides—some opposition figures joining his camp while some insiders quietly or loudly withdraw—the stage is set for a turbulent pre-election season.
