Prominent political stakeholders in the Southwest have been urged to begin an immediate search for a worthy successor to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2031, with strong emphasis on leadership qualities rooted in humility, accessibility, grassroots development and selfless service.

In a lengthy political reflection titled “Yoruba Leaders And Earnest Search For Asiwaju Replacement in 2031,” the Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group, Bamidele Atoyebi, described Tinubu as a rare political figure whose influence extends beyond electoral victories into personal sacrifice and human-centered leadership.

Atoyebi said the search for Tinubu’s eventual successor must go beyond political calculations and focus instead on character, empathy and loyalty to the people.

“Finding a replacement is not merely about filling a seat; it is about finding a soul that mirrors the grit and vision of the current leadership,” he wrote.

“We are looking for a leader who is humane to the core, someone whose heartbeat matches the rhythm of the common man.”

The political commentator portrayed Tinubu as a leader whose residence has remained permanently accessible to ordinary Nigerians, party loyalists and those seeking intervention in matters ranging from employment and healthcare to contracts and approvals.

“Unlike many in the political sphere, Asiwaju’s home is a perpetual Mecca of sorts for those in need,” Atoyebi stated.

“From dawn until the late hours of the night, his doors remain open to a diverse spectrum of individuals.”

He added that Tinubu’s political strength over the years was built not merely on strategy, but on human relationships and personal accessibility.

“His philosophy is simple: if your matter is public, he addresses it; if it is private, he makes the time to listen personally,” he wrote.

Atoyebi recalled several personal accounts shared by associates of the President, including former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, and Alhaji Tejumade, which he said reveal Tinubu’s unusual dedication to people.

On one occasion, he narrated how Tinubu’s associates attempted to stop visitors from seeing him so he could rest due to concerns over his health.

“Upon waking and noticing the unusual silence, Asiwaju immediately sensed something was amiss,” Atoyebi recounted.

“‘Why is everywhere so quiet? Why am I not seeing people?’ he questioned.”

He explained that Tinubu reportedly began calling people personally and insisted they come to see him despite efforts to keep visitors away.

“His life is fueled by the energy and needs of the people he serves,” Atoyebi added.

The article also highlighted an encounter involving a man who had allegedly criticized Tinubu publicly but later sought help securing employment for his son.

“When they arrived at Asiwaju’s residence in Bourdillon, they were met with a leader who was about to depart for the day,” Atoyebi wrote.

“Instead of dismissing them or inquiring about the man’s past criticisms, Asiwaju listened.”

“Without hesitation, he took out a card, wrote a note, and handed it to the man.”

Atoyebi argued that such actions distinguish Tinubu from many contemporary politicians who surround themselves with barriers and inaccessible structures.

He further narrated how the President once allegedly slipped out through a back exit to continue meeting people after the First Lady attempted to enforce rest for him by dispersing visitors.

“In a display of his characteristic wit and commitment, he slipped out through the back, jumped into a car, and went to meet a group of people at a separate location to continue his work,” he wrote.

The writer stressed that anyone hoping to emerge as Tinubu’s political heir must embody the same grassroots philosophy and culture of service.

“The ideal successor must be an addicted and passionate grassroots developer,” he said.

“We need a progressive thinker with extreme intelligence, capable of navigating the complexities of modern governance while staying rooted in the soil of the community.”

Atoyebi also warned against leaders driven by greed, ego or family-centered politics.

“We need someone who is willing to wait for their time, demonstrating a nature that is not disruptive but stabilising,” he wrote.

“The search must prioritise those who are selfless, generous and principled.”

He insisted that loyalty to party structures must remain central to the succession conversation.

“A critical component of this search is finding a party man to the core,” Atoyebi stated.

“We must be wary of those who exhibit antiparty tendencies, those who are quick to hand over the hard-earned rewards of the party to outsiders or to those who never labored for its success.”

Turning attention to political developments in the Southwest, Atoyebi lamented what he described as a growing disconnect between politicians who claim allegiance to Tinubu’s ideology and their actual conduct.

“The disconnect in the Southwest today is profound,” he wrote.

“As the primary elections approach, there is an urgent need to set things in the right position.”

He recounted a conversation with a governorship aspirant who allegedly complained about rivals being sponsored to weaken his chances.

“When I suggested he call these rivals together, especially those from his own region, his response was disappointing,” Atoyebi said.

“He claimed that ‘Asiwaju nikan lo le se’ (only Asiwaju can do it).”

The political commentator criticized what he described as a lack of bridge-building among emerging leaders in the region.

“It is frustrating to see people claim alignment with the President’s ideology while lacking the initiative to build the very bridges he is known for,” he added.

Atoyebi also referenced political tensions in Oyo State, accusing some politicians of alienating party members and prioritizing personal interests above party unity.

He alleged that during the 2023 political cycle, Teslim Folarin adopted an exclusionary approach in the APC structure.

“A senator friend shared how Teslim allegedly hijacked tickets to give to his own preferences,” he wrote.

He quoted the alleged remark as: “a gba lowo won ni, ti a ba ti gba lowo won tan a lo be won” (we will take it from them and beg them later).

“This is not the President’s way,” Atoyebi insisted.

He also took aim at Bayo Adelabu, questioning his generosity and relationship with grassroots party members.

“Based on firsthand accounts, I have made up my mind that he does not deserve help to get closer to the governorship,” he wrote.

Atoyebi alleged that party members in the state feel abandoned and disconnected from leadership despite years of political loyalty.

“The viral voice notes from two years ago say it all: party members feel hungry and abandoned, like sheep without a leader,” he stated.

He concluded by warning that many of those currently coordinating political affairs in the Southwest do not possess the defining qualities associated with Tinubu.

“The people currently coordinating candidacy affairs in the Southwest do not possess the spirit of Asiwaju,” he wrote.

“They are inaccessible, they are proud, and they look down on the very people they are meant to lead.”

“To claim you follow him while lacking those qualities is, quite simply, ‘Iro ni,’” Atoyebi declared.

Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi, the convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group, also serves as the national coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring PR and a publisher of Unfiltered and Mining reports.