The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BATIG), Bamidele Atoyebi, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to review its reward system and ensure loyal members who toiled for the party’s success are duly recognised and empowered.
Atoyebi made the appeal during the group’s courtesy visit to the Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, at the party’s secretariat.
He lamented that many loyal members who invested time, energy, and resources in ensuring the APC’s victory were often overlooked, while individuals with little or no contribution were being rewarded.
“Many of those who worked tirelessly for our victory are often not recognised, while those who did little or nothing are empowered. Some of our leaders, governors, senators, political appointees, and ministers have empowered outsiders instead of loyal party members. This is like empowering our enemies against our loyalists and supporters,” he said.
Atoyebi urged party leaders to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and recognition in political appointments and empowerment initiatives. He emphasised that while not everyone could be appointed, every loyal member should be carried along in the party’s progress.
He also aligned his call with the earlier position of former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, on the need for fair reward and empowerment within the party.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s legacy of raising leaders, Atoyebi cited examples of former and current Lagos governors—Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu—as products of Tinubu’s mentorship philosophy.
“True progressive leadership means lifting others and multiplying capacity,” he added.
The BAT Ideological Group, according to Atoyebi, remains committed to the principles of progressivism and inclusive empowerment. He outlined plans for a 2027 people-driven strategy, focusing on youth engagement through political debates, quizzes, street football, and leadership mentorship.
Responding, Ojelabi—represented by his deputy, Prince Moshood Mayegun—commended the group for its grassroots mobilisation and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“We are overwhelmed by the number you mobilised. You have shown true support for the party, and we are happy about it. This job requires synergy and purposeful collaboration to deliver Tinubu for a second term,” he said.
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