BAT Ideological Group Eyes 2030 Leadership Baton Change to Sustain Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Ideological Group, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi, has said the organisation is already focused on Nigeria’s political future beyond 2027, with particular interest in identifying and supporting leaders who will sustain the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking during an interview at the group’s office in Wuse, Abuja, Atoyebi said the BAT Ideological Group was created to prevent what he described as the recurrence of “dirty and lack of progressive politics” and the election of leaders who could sustain the country’s current trajectory of economic stability.

“This is why BAT was established,” he explained. “We don’t want cases of people playing dirty politics and electing those who will truncate the efforts of the present government.”

He stated that the group’s concern extended beyond the tenure of the present administration, noting that politics and good governance transcends a single government.

“Imagine if Lagos had not maintained a culture of continuity, it wouldn’t be where it is today,” he said. “After Tinubu left, Fashola came in, then Ambode did well, and now Sanwo-Olu is doing beautifully too. That’s how governance should evolve.”

On the federal stage, Atoyebi acknowledged Nigeria’s diversity but emphasised the importance of continuity and ideological consistency in leadership.

“Nigeria is a cluster state, and by 2030, it may be the turn of the North,” he said. “That is why we are ensuring that BAT Ideological Group has structures across all states. We are very interested in who will form the next government.”

He described the group as a “political college” designed to evaluate political aspirants at all levels, ensuring their values align with the vision of the current administration.

“BAT is a proper screening platform,” he explained. “Everyone who wants to take over come 2030 must pass through screening to test the ideology backing their political ambition, so we won’t return to square one.”

Atoyebi said the group’s interest goes beyond the presidency, extending to ministers, governors, and local government chairmen.

“If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” he asked rhetorically. “We’re interested in every cadre of leadership, people with clear vision who are working in line with the current government’s ideals.”

He stressed that effective governance must be felt across all levels, noting that the actions of state and local leaders shape citizens’ perception of the federal government’s performance.

“If the President is doing well at the federal level but the ministers and state governments are not giving back to the people they’re serving or providing security at their own local level, it will look like the government is not doing anything,” he said.

Atoyebi further explained that the BAT Ideological Group is committed to inclusivity and collaboration with all Nigerians who share the government’s reform ideals.

“We’re ready to work with anyone who shares the progressive vision and ideology of the government, any tribe, any religion, so long as they have received the vision,” he stated.

He outlined the group’s screening criteria, noting that candidates would be evaluated on their track record, their contribution to human development, and their commitment to humanitarian initiatives.

“Our screening process is simple,” he said. “Show us your record, how many people have you raised and successfully empowered in education or business? Show us the NGO established over the years contributing to the country, post held in the past and the progressive idea put in place. That tells us what kind of leader you are.”

Atoyebi also dismissed habitual political cross-carpeting, arguing that constant party switching reflects weak ideological conviction. However, those who move from one party to another based on what the INEC rules called lack of stability in the party can be overlooked.

“For those who have been cross-carpeting a lot, it means their ideology cannot stand the test of time except it’s for lack of political stability,” he said.

With 2030 in view, Atoyebi said the BAT Ideological Group remains determined to strengthen its nationwide structure and ensure that only visionary, consistent leaders should emerge to continue the country’s current path of reform and progress.

Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy monitoring and a publisher and Mining and Unfiltered Reporting