The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi, has described President Bola Tinubu as the political and ideological successor of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, arguing that Awolowo’s democratic socialist ideals continue to shape Nigeria’s governance under Tinubu’s leadership.

Atoyebi asserted in a statement titled “Sage, Pa Awolowo Lives On,” in which he maintained that opposing Tinubu while professing admiration for Awolowo amounts to a contradiction.
According to him, Tinubu embodies Awolowo’s political philosophy and reflects it through his policy direction and governance style.

He said Awolowo’s ideas remain deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political development, noting that many contemporary policies and governance frameworks align—directly or indirectly—with the late nationalist’s ideological foundations.
Drawing parallels between both leaders, Atoyebi argued that Tinubu practises democratic socialism, the ideology consistently championed by Awolowo.

He said several policies associated with Tinubu’s leadership mirror Awolowo’s long-held positions on social welfare, taxation, education and public development.
He cited reforms in taxation, education funding, healthcare delivery, student loan programmes and social intervention initiatives as evidence of ideological continuity between Awolowo’s framework and Tinubu’s governance approach.

Atoyebi also referenced Tinubu’s tax reforms during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, describing them as extensions of Awolowo’s fiscal philosophy.
According to him, Tinubu further advanced Awolowo’s political strategy by combining ideological firmness with pragmatic negotiation.

He argued that this approach blends Awolowo’s confrontational opposition style with the conciliatory tendencies of the late Chief Ladoke Akintola, a combination he said contributed to Tinubu’s political rise.
Commenting on ideological divisions within the Yoruba political space, Atoyebi questioned the opposition of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo to Tinubu, suggesting that such opposition stemmed more from leadership succession expectations than from core ideological disagreements.

He concluded that Awolowo’s political legacy did not end with his passing but continues through leaders who uphold his governance principles.
“President Tinubu practises democratic socialism, the same ideology Awolowo championed,” Atoyebi said. “Many of Tinubu’s policy initiatives reflect Awolowo’s long-standing principles on social welfare, taxation and public development.

“Tax reforms, healthcare initiatives, education funding schemes, student loan programmes and social intervention policies all point to this continuity. Tinubu’s tax reforms in Lagos State were an extension of Awolowo’s fiscal philosophy, while his blend of firm opposition and flexible negotiation helped shape his path to the presidency.”