Wearing the Cap Is Not the Same as Living the Conviction
By Bamidele Atoyebi
In today’s political space, symbolism has slowly replaced substance. Many people now believe that wearing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cap or publicly identifying with his name automatically makes them disciplined followers of his political philosophy. This belief is misleading. Anyone can wear a cap, but discipline, orientation, and conviction cannot be worn. They must be learned, understood, and practiced.
True followership goes far beyond outward appearance. It is rooted in knowledge, values, and a clear understanding of ideas. Sadly, a large number of people who openly associate with President Tinubu are not genuinely passionate about his orientation, political thinking, or leadership journey. What exists instead is surface loyalty without depth and noise without understanding.
This reality is the reason the BAT Ideological Group was formed.
The BAT Ideological Group is not a gathering of cheerleaders or opportunists. It is a deliberate platform for teaching ideology, leadership consciousness, and responsibility. Our focus is on raising leaders, not creating followers who depend on symbols for relevance. Leadership is built through learning, discipline, and mentorship, not by association or public display.
President Tinubu’s rise and influence were not built on fashion or symbolism. They were built on ideas, structure, patience, strategic thinking, and an intentional investment in people. Anyone who truly claims to align with such a legacy must be willing to study it and grow within it. Without this commitment, support becomes shallow and easily misdirected.
The Bible clearly addresses this kind of empty followership. In Matthew 15:8, it says, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” This verse captures the danger of claiming loyalty without genuine belief or understanding. Words and appearances may impress people, but they do not reflect the heart.
The same principle applies to politics and leadership. When people claim allegiance without knowledge or discipline, they weaken the very movement they say they support. Symbols without substance do not build nations. They only create confusion and false confidence.
The BAT Ideological Group exists to correct this mindset. We are committed to teaching political orientation, leadership values, and the responsibility that comes with influence. Our goal is to produce thinkers, builders, and leaders who understand why they stand where they stand.
In the end, wearing Tinubu’s cap does not make anyone his disciple. True alignment is shown through understanding, discipline, and commitment to leadership development. That is the path we believe in, and that is the future we are working to build.
Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convenor of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting.
