Atoyebi Defends Tinubu’s Ideology, Backs Second Term, Says BAT Ideological Group Is Bigger Than Politics

The Convener of the BAT Ideological Group, Bamidele Atoyebi, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership philosophy, insisting that the movement he leads is not a quest for personal recognition or political favour but a long-term ideological project aimed at institutionalising Tinubu’s governance style and political values in Nigeria.

 

Atoyebi made the remarks during an extensive interview with THISDAY News, where he addressed criticisms against pro-Tinubu groups, internal party defections, economic reforms, governance communication gaps, and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Opening the discussion, Atoyebi dismissed opposition voices and critics, describing them as impatient and unable to endure political processes. He said supporters of Tinubu’s ideology are focused on resilience and long-term impact rather than short-term applause.

 

“We will stand and weather the storm as we have always done. If you remain firm, the opposition cannot destroy you. We are not worried. God is with us,” he said.

 

When asked by THISDAY whether he would feel disappointed if President Tinubu never granted him a one-on-one meeting despite his efforts, Atoyebi said personal access to the president was not his motivation. He described Tinubu as his political mentor and Bishop David Oyedepo as his spiritual mentor, stressing that his work is driven by conviction rather than proximity to power.

 

“I have never met Asiwaju personally, but that has not stopped what we are doing. Whether he sees me or not, the journey continues. I will never feel disappointed,” he said.

 

Atoyebi argued that Tinubu’s leadership philosophy transcends individuals and has already been replicated across the country through people influenced by his ideas. According to him, the BAT Ideological Group is raising men and women who embody Tinubu’s courage, generosity, and belief in building successors.

 

Reacting to the wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atoyebi said the movement is a natural consequence of Tinubu’s leadership style rather than political coercion.

 

“In law, facts speak for themselves. Tinubu carries a natural leadership grace. People are not forced; they are attracted. When you see someone who has what you lack, you naturally gravitate towards him,” he said.

 

He added that improved fiscal capacity at the federal level and the ability to fund budgets and infrastructure have further strengthened confidence in the ruling party, making defections inevitable.

 

Addressing fears that pro-Tinubu movements might be promoting a life presidency, Atoyebi dismissed the suggestion, stressing that Nigeria’s constitution and democratic system remain intact. He pointed to Tinubu’s record in Lagos State, where succession planning ensured continuity without the former governor remaining in office indefinitely.

 

“Tinubu believes in raising men, not staying forever. A leader is as good as the people he raises,” he said.

 

On governance communication, Atoyebi admitted that the Tinubu administration has struggled to effectively communicate its policies to the public. He revealed that the BAT Ideological Group has taken it upon itself to bridge that gap through media campaigns and policy awareness initiatives.

 

He disclosed that he had written proposals to the Minister of Information, presidential spokespersons and other key officials, suggesting the creation of a Media Enthusiast Fellowship that would train young Nigerians across local governments to communicate government policies, promote patriotism and counter misinformation.

 

“We identified lapses in government communication, so we stepped in. Policy communication has not been effective, and that needs to change,” he said.

 

Explaining the origin and vision of the BAT Ideological Group, Atoyebi traced his political interest to his early exposure to progressive politics and admiration for Tinubu’s transformation of Lagos State. He said the group evolved from an idea to build a library and research centre in Tinubu’s name into a full-fledged ideological movement.

 

“Our goal is to raise men and women who will become carriers of Tinubu’s political spirit, his methods, courage, and ideology,” he said.

 

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Atoyebi argued that President Tinubu deserves a second term, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of exchange rates, student loan schemes, vocational training programmes, healthcare reforms and major infrastructure projects.

 

He described Tinubu as the first leader to “truly take from the rich and give to the poor,” noting that funds saved from subsidy removal are now being redirected to education, skills acquisition and social welfare.

 

Responding to accusations that the group exists to curry favour with the president, Atoyebi denied the claim, saying he had funded the movement with personal resources and had long been involved in humanitarian and youth empowerment initiatives before Tinubu became president.

 

“This is not about favour. This is about values. This is about ideology,” he said.

 

On regional opposition, particularly from the North, Atoyebi said the BAT Ideological Group enjoys strong grassroots support in northern Nigeria, claiming that many supporters there finance the movement voluntarily without expecting personal benefits.

 

“The real masses in the North love Tinubu. The movement is booming there. Nobody can stop it,” he said.

 

Looking beyond 2027, Atoyebi said the BAT Ideological Group will not dissolve after Tinubu’s presidency. Instead, it will evolve into a platform for scrutinising future leaders based on ideology, capacity, and alignment with progressive values.

 

“This movement is bigger than me and bigger than the president. It will remain a platform to evaluate leadership, not a support group that jumps from one politician to another,” he said.

 

The interview ended with Atoyebi reaffirming his belief that Nigeria’s future depends on ideological politics, leadership grooming and citizen participation, especially among young people, rather than opportunism and personality-driven campaigns.