The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Bamidele Atoyebi, has urged Nigerian politicians to embrace patience, strategic thinking and mentorship as core principles of leadership, citing the political journey of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a model.

Atoyebi argued that Tinubu’s rise to power reflects a deliberate approach rooted in timing, calculated decision-making, and long-term planning rather than haste or opportunism.

He said these qualities are often lacking among many Nigerian politicians, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.

According to him, Tinubu’s political philosophy centers on the belief that leadership positions should be attained only when the timing is right, a mindset he described as critical to sustainable success. He referenced the President’s history of stepping aside at various points in his career and supporting others, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, before eventually contesting and winning the presidency.

“Patience is not passive but a form of concentrated strength,” Atoyebi noted, echoing martial artist, Bruce Lee, whose philosophy he said aligns with Tinubu’s political style.

The analyst traced Tinubu’s early political development to his association with late business mogul and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, describing it as a formative period marked by mentorship and observation.

He also highlighted Tinubu’s role in building alliances and positioning loyalists in strategic roles over time.

Atoyebi criticised what he described as a prevailing culture among Nigerian politicians who equate visibility with leadership, arguing that being “at the front” does not necessarily translate to effective governance or lasting impact. He said many leaders fail because they lack patience, ignore political timing, and prioritse personal gain over public service.

To illustrate his point, Atoyebi cited the career trajectory of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, who he said demonstrated political patience by remaining within the system despite missing out on key opportunities, eventually rising to prominence and securing future prospects.

He contrasted this with unnamed politicians who, according to him, damaged their careers by defecting between parties in pursuit of immediate ambitions, rather than waiting for favourable conditions within their original platforms.

Atoyebi also referenced political developments in Oyo State, pointing to Senator Teslim Folarin as an example of a politician whose earlier decisions may have hindered his long-term prospects. He argued that contesting against an incumbent at the wrong time can weaken future opportunities, regardless of personal ambition or resources.

The commentary further warned of what Atoyebi described as a “political virus” spreading among aspirants ahead of elections, characterised by desperation, lack of ideological grounding and a focus on personal enrichment rather than service delivery.

He emphasised that true leadership requires calculated moves, mentorship, and a willingness to serve in subordinate roles before ascending to top positions.

According to him, politicians who fail to recognise these dynamics often leave office without meaningful legacies.

Atoyebi concluded that patience remains the “lifeblood of politics,” adding that Tinubu’s career offers a practical blueprint for aspiring leaders seeking to build enduring influence and deliver value to citizens.

Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting.