The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Bamidele Atoyebi, has appealed to aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress not to abandon the party over grievances arising from recent primary elections, urging them instead to remain within the party, rebuild its structures, and work towards future political opportunities.

Atoyebi made the appeal in a statement titled “Don’t Leave, Stay, Rebuild, Fight, Restrategize,” where he acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction among party members over the conduct of the APC primaries in several states.

According to him, since the conclusion of the primaries, members of the BAT Ideological Group have expressed concerns over alleged imposition of candidates by governors and complaints that the selection process was manipulated in some states.

He said some party faithful had warned that unless urgent steps were taken to address the concerns, the APC risked losing loyal members to opposition parties.

The BAT Group convener noted that frustration among party supporters had become increasingly visible, citing a recent encounter at an airport where he overheard a man from Nasarawa State blaming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the emergence of candidates in his state.

Atoyebi said he challenged the perception, arguing that state governors, rather than the President, were largely responsible for determining candidates in their respective states.

While admitting that President Tinubu had allowed governors to wield considerable influence within the party, Atoyebi maintained that party members should not respond by defecting.

He argued that politicians driven by ideology do not abandon their political platforms during difficult periods but instead remain committed, reorganise and continue the struggle from within.

Drawing from Tinubu’s political journey, Atoyebi said the President himself endured numerous political setbacks and internal battles without leaving the party.

He recalled that after the 2015 general elections, Tinubu returned to private life while monitoring developments within the APC, despite what he described as attempts by some politicians to weaken his influence in the party.

Atoyebi cited political disagreements involving former Kayode Fayemi, former Ibikunle Amosun and former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole as examples of internal party conflicts that Tinubu weathered without resigning from the party.

He also referenced the emergence of Bukola Saraki as Senate President against Tinubu’s preference, describing it as another episode that tested the President’s resolve within the party.

According to Atoyebi, many politicians would have left under such circumstances, but Tinubu remained in the APC and continued to pursue his political objectives.

The BAT Group leader further used Tinubu’s eventual emergence as the APC presidential candidate in 2022 as an example of the rewards of persistence and loyalty.

He recalled that Tinubu’s now-famous “Èmi l’ókàn” declaration in Abeokuta was rooted in years of political commitment, sacrifices and support for other leaders, including former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Atoyebi also referred to reports that Tinubu had once responded to questions about his presidential ambition by saying “it’s not the time yet,” suggesting that patience and long-term planning are essential in politics.

He disclosed that he personally experienced disappointment within the party after nursing an ambition to become APC National Youth Leader, only for the party to adopt a consensus arrangement that favoured returning office holders.

Despite the setback, he said he chose to suspend his ambition rather than leave the party.

Atoyebi therefore urged APC members dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries to emulate Tinubu’s resilience and remain committed to the party.

“Do not leave. Stay, rebuild, fight and restrategise,” he said, stressing that political success often comes through perseverance rather than defection.

The BAT Ideological Group convener maintained that party members should focus on strengthening their ideological convictions and preparing for future opportunities within the APC rather than abandoning the platform because of temporary political disappointments.