A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi, has called on Nigerians to continue drawing from the experience and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he marks his 74th birthday.

In a statement commemorating the president’s birthday, Atoyebi described Tinubu as a visionary leader whose influence has grown stronger with age, stressing that Nigeria stands to benefit more from his depth of experience and strategic insight.

“As the pages of time turn, there is a prevailing school of thought that suggests influence fades with age.

However, in the realm of Nigerian politics and strategic leadership, the opposite is true,” Atoyebi said. “The more a visionary leader ages, the more critical it becomes for the nation to tap into the depth of their experience.”

Atoyebi traced Tinubu’s political journey to his role during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle under military rule, noting his involvement with the National Democratic Coalition, where he supported resistance efforts and went into exile. He said this period reflected the president’s willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and business interests for democratic ideals.

According to him, Tinubu’s leadership style is defined by patience and long term strategy, citing the period after his tenure as Lagos State governor when he spent over a decade building opposition strength rather than seeking immediate political appointments.

“He understands that a fruit plucked prematurely is sour, and his journey proves that true power belongs to those who can outlast the storm,” Atoyebi stated.

The BAT-IG convener also highlighted what he described as Tinubu’s “multiplication effect” in leadership, pointing to individuals such as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola as beneficiaries of his mentorship who later rose to prominent national roles.

He further cited Tinubu’s handling of the dispute with the Federal Government over Lagos State’s local government allocations as an example of courage in governance, noting that the state responded by reforming its tax system and strengthening internal revenue generation.

Atoyebi said the president’s leadership also reflects a strong grassroots connection, referencing social intervention initiatives and welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“He has always maintained that a leader must ensure the people are cared for first, prioritising food security and social welfare,” he said.

On political strategy, Atoyebi described Tinubu as a key architect of the coalition that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress in 2013, noting that the merger of parties such as the Action Congress of Nigeria helped reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

He added that Tinubu’s approach to politics emphasises reconciliation and inclusion, often bringing former rivals into governance in pursuit of national unity.

“Politics is a game of addition, not subtraction,” Atoyebi quoted, noting the president’s tendency to prioritise stability over personal grievances.

The statement also highlighted Tinubu’s philanthropic activities, including scholarships for indigent students and support for medical treatments, describing his generosity as a longstanding commitment rather than a recent development.

Atoyebi referenced the 2015 general election as a defining moment in Tinubu’s political career, stating that his decision to уступ his vice presidential ambition contributed to the party’s electoral success and demonstrated selflessness.

He further commended the president’s consistency in maintaining a loyal political structure over decades, as well as his ability to adapt policies to changing realities.

Atoyebi described Tinubu’s eventual emergence as president as a reflection of resilience, citing the challenges he faced during the election period, including internal party disputes and economic pressures.

“His doggedness served as both his shield and his weapon,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group to promoting the president’s leadership principles through initiatives such as political training programmes and policy institutes.

Atoyebi wished Tinubu good health and continued impact, describing him as “a living legend of democracy” whose legacy lies in mentoring future leaders and strengthening national development.

Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi is the convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) and a publisher of Unfiltered and Mining reports.