In a provocative Easter Sunday address, Tunde Bakare, the founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, delivered a sharp critique of Nigeria’s current leadership from Lagos, accusing President Bola Tinubu of fostering a “motor park brand of politics” that has contributed to legislative misconduct and weakened constitutional governance. This observation raises broader concerns about the quality of political leadership in Nigeria and the need for a transformation in approach, especially in light of the nation’s delicate state.
Bakare’s use of the phrase “stop playing God” implores Tinubu to reconsider the implications of wielding unchecked power. The pastor, who previously served as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2011 elections, reminded the nation that leadership should not merely be about authority but grounded in humility and responsibility to the citizenry. As Nigeria grapples with crisis after crisis — economic woes, insecurity, and escalating political tensions — Bakare’s calls for introspection and change resonate deeply with a populace yearning for effective governance.
The pastor did not shy away from referencing specific events, such as the contentious exchange in the Senate involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Bakare spotlighted Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi’s derogatory remarks toward Oby Ezekwesili, characterizing it as “street-level vitriol.” This incident amplifies concerns about the conduct and decorum expected of elected officials. As prominent female political figures like Akpoti-Uduaghan navigate these treacherous waters, their experiences reveal the pervasive culture of disrespect and sexism within the political landscape, making their battles not just personal but symbolic of a larger struggle for women’s rights in Nigeria.
The intensity of the exchange in the Senate, where Nwebonyi retorted, “You can never be a senator. You are an insult to womanhood,” illustrates a troubling trend in Nigerian politics, where personal attacks often overshadow substantive discourse. As Nigeria continues to reflect on issues of gender equality and political representation, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courage in speaking out against harassment could inspire other women to challenge the status quo, yet it also underscores the hostile environment many female politicians face.
Bakare’s critique extends to the broader context of Nigeria’s economic challenges under Tinubu’s administration. He highlighted the harsh realities of food inflation, dramatically rising fuel prices, and a living crisis that leaves millions battling poverty. “The stampede deaths in several cities at the end of 2024 were the most horrific climax to the economic hardships experienced by Nigerians,” he lamented. These stark statements reveal not only the grim reality of daily life for many Nigerians but also the urgent need for empathetic and sustainable economic reforms.
While acknowledging some achievements, such as a reported increase in reserves, Bakare’s emphasis on transparency and accountability in governance remains crucial. His historical involvement in advocacy through the Save Nigeria Group reveals a pattern of activism aimed at challenging poor governance, and his position now criticizes perceived complacency during previous administrations, including that of Muhammadu Buhari, with whom he had a closer relationship. Critics have noted Bakare’s apparent reticence to speak out against failures during Buhari’s leadership, highlighting a potential inconsistency in his accountability ethos.
The friction between Bakare and Tinubu isn’t merely a result of past electoral rivalries but is rooted in a longstanding critique of governance styles. Mr Bakare said he would never call then-president-elect, his president due to alleged series of malpractices during the 2023 election.
On the eve of Tinubu’s inauguration, Bakare’s assertion that he would not refer to Tinubu as his president reflects a deep-seated skepticism regarding the integrity of the electoral process, a sentiment echoed by many Nigerians who are increasingly disillusioned with the political establishment.