Awolowo’s political spirit lives in Tinubu’s governance – BAT convener

By Sunday Ani

Convener of the BAT Ideological Group, 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 principles have continued to shape Nigeria’s governance through Tinubu’s leadership.

Atoyebi, who is also the national coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring, made the assertion in a statement, entitled: “Sage, Pa Awolowo Lives On,” where he maintained that it is inconsistent to claim admiration for Awolowo while opposing Tinubu, whom he described as a “walking carrier” of Awolowo’s political philosophy. He said Awolowo’s influence remains deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political development, noting that successive political decisions in the country still revolve around his theories of governance, whether directly or indirectly.

Drawing parallels between both leaders, he said Tinubu practises democratic socialism, which is the same ideology Awolowo championed. He added that many of Tinubu’s policy initiatives reflect Awolowo’s long-standing principles on social welfare, taxation and public development.

He cited tax reforms, free healthcare initiatives, educational funding schemes, student loan programmes and social intervention policies as evidence of continuity between Awolowo’s ideology and Tinubu’s governance approach.

He also referenced Tinubu’s reforms in Lagos State’s tax system during his tenure as governor as an extension of Awolowo’s fiscal philosophy.