Abuja — The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Mr. Bamidele Atoyebi, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the political and ideological successor of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In a statement titled “Sage, Pa Awolowo Lives On,” Atoyebi argued that it is contradictory to profess admiration for Awolowo while opposing Tinubu, whom he described as a “living carrier” of Awolowo’s democratic socialist philosophy.
Atoyebi, who also serves as National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring, said Awolowo’s ideas remain central to Nigeria’s governance framework, noting that many political decisions in the country continue to draw from the sage’s theories, either directly or indirectly.
Drawing parallels between the two leaders, he stated that President Tinubu practices democratic socialism—the same ideology championed by Awolowo—adding that Tinubu’s policies on social welfare, taxation, education, and public development reflect Awolowo’s long-standing principles.
He cited reforms such as tax restructuring, free healthcare initiatives, education funding schemes, student loan programmes, and various social intervention policies as evidence of ideological continuity. According to him, Tinubu’s tax reforms in Lagos State during his time as governor were a clear extension of Awolowo’s fiscal philosophy.
Atoyebi further noted that Tinubu advanced Awolowo’s political playbook by combining the sage’s combative opposition style with the pragmatic negotiation approach of the late Chief Ladoke Akintola, a strategy he said ultimately paved Tinubu’s path to the presidency.
Commenting on divisions within the Yoruba political bloc, Atoyebi questioned the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s opposition to Tinubu, suggesting it was driven more by leadership succession expectations than genuine ideological disagreement.
He concluded that Awolowo’s legacy did not end with his passing but continues through leaders who uphold his governance ideals, insisting that President Tinubu represents the modern expression of that enduring political tradition.
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