PRESS RELEASE

July 9, 2026

Senator Abu Ibrahim Appointed Grand Patron of BAT-Ideological Group, Affirms Support for Renewed Hope Agenda

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group has announced the acceptance of its nomination by distinguished elder statesman and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abu Ibrahim, as the Grand Patron of the organization.

The development marks a significant milestone for the group as it continues to deepen grassroots mobilization and strengthen support for the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Speaking after a courtesy visit to Senator Ibrahim, the Convener of the BAT-Ideological Group, Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi, described the former senator’s acceptance as both a great honour and a source of renewed inspiration for members across the country.

According to Atoyebi, the meeting offered members a deeper appreciation of Senator Ibrahim’s enduring relationship with President Tinubu and his historic role within Nigeria’s progressive political movement.

“Until today, many of us know Senator Abu Ibrahim as a respected elder statesman, a great friend, old ally and unwavering supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our interaction further reinforced the depth of his commitment to the progressive family and the ideals that have sustained it over the years,” Atoyebi said.

He noted that Senator Ibrahim was among the earliest leaders who stood firmly behind the political understanding that eventually strengthened the progressive coalition leading to President Tinubu’s emergence.

According to Atoyebi, Senator Ibrahim consistently encouraged fidelity to political agreements and remained steadfast in advocating fairness, loyalty and unity within the progressive movement.

The BAT-Ideological Group founder also reflected on observing a photograph of Senator Ibrahim alongside the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the visit, describing it as symbolic of a political journey shaped by the ideals of one of Nigeria’s foremost progressive leaders before becoming one of President Tinubu’s closest associates.

“Seeing Senator Abu Ibrahim’s association with Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his long-standing partnership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reminds us that he represents two generations of progressive political thought. As mentees of President Tinubu, we consider his guidance invaluable. His acceptance of our invitation and his full support for the BAT-Ideological Group provide tremendous encouragement as we continue our work,” Atoyebi added.

Senator Abu Ibrahim, who represented Katsina South (Funtua) Senatorial District in the National Assembly across multiple terms, is widely regarded as one of the architects of Nigeria’s modern progressive movement. A founding member of the APC, he has maintained a close political relationship with President Tinubu dating back to their days in the Senate during the Third Republic.

Throughout his political career, Senator Ibrahim earned national respect for his principled stand in defence of democracy, particularly during the struggle against military rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The BAT-Ideological Group said Senator Ibrahim’s acceptance as Grand Patron would provide strategic guidance and moral leadership as the organization expands its activities in grassroots mobilization, policy advocacy, youth empowerment, humanitarian interventions, education, healthcare support and community development in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to raising a new generation of principled leaders who embody the values of integrity, patriotism, service and progressive governance while supporting efforts to take development closer to communities across Nigeria.

Signed:

Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi

Convener, BAT-Ideological Group