Amid recent political tensions and outspoken criticism of the federal government, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos on Wednesday.
The meeting took place behind closed doors and was disclosed through a post by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who shared a photo of the two on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Addressing journalists shortly after the private meeting, Pastor Bakare disclosed that their conversation centered on pressing national issues, particularly the country’s development and the vision for its future. “It wasn’t just about expressing reservations,” he said. “It was about how Nigeria can thrive and prosper. My dream has always been to witness a functional, effective nation in my lifetime.”
He explained that the discussion covered matters he had long reflected on and publicly spoken about, but he now believed the best path was direct engagement. “I’ve shared my thoughts with Mr. President. They are not hidden or new ideas. But once you’ve spoken to the person in authority, you leave the rest to him. I’m glad the President welcomed me warmly, and I trust that, with God’s help, Nigeria will find its path forward.”
Bakare emphasized the need for unity and national cohesion, urging collaboration between Nigeria’s diverse regions and leaders. “I would like to see stronger ties between the North and the South,” he stated. “We must move forward together with purpose. Nigerians must learn to be their brother’s keeper. We’ve spent too long discussing the same problems—now is the time for action. We must ensure that our citizens no longer suffer in poverty and hopelessness.”
This high-profile visit comes just weeks after Pastor Bakare delivered a fiery Easter State-of-the-Nation address that sharply criticized the Tinubu administration and the 10th National Assembly. His remarks sparked significant controversy and drew strong responses from both the legislative arm and the presidency.
In his Easter sermon, Bakare accused President Tinubu of undermining Nigeria’s democracy by compromising the independence of the legislature. He alleged that the National Assembly had effectively become an extension of the executive branch, branding it the “48th member” of the President’s cabinet.
He went further to describe the prevailing political climate as a descent into tyranny. “What we are witnessing,” Bakare warned, “is not just political mismanagement, but organized injustice and gangster-style governance. Our democracy is being hijacked.”
“Mr. President,” he charged, “it is under your watch that the principles of separation of powers are being eroded. The legislature has become a rubber-stamp institution, bowing to the whims of the executive while singing sycophantic praises—‘On your mandate we shall stand.’”
He also expressed concern over the quality of leadership in the country, suggesting that those seeking public office should undergo psychiatric evaluations. “Citizens must rise up,” he said. “Nigeria is being steered dangerously off course. We must declare a state of emergency on governance.”
The cleric did not mince words in further condemning what he viewed as the current administration’s authoritarian drift. “Since the beginning of the year,” he declared,
“we’ve witnessed a descent into tyranny. This is no longer about political miscalculations; we are now facing organized injustice and gangster governance. It is obvious that our leaders are determined to transform Nigeria into a mafia state.”
Bakare urged Nigerian citizens to go beyond passive observation and take active steps to challenge the prevailing system. “We must declare a state of emergency on governance. We must demand that every aspiring public officeholder undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Tell Mr. President to stop playing God and begin governing with humility, justice, and the fear of the Almighty.”
In response, the Senate, through its spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu, condemned Bakare’s remarks, claiming the cleric had “crossed the line” by making such inflammatory accusations. The Senate stood by its constitutional independence and dismissed the criticism as unfounded.
The Presidency also weighed in on the controversy. However, rather than dismissing Bakare outright, the administration took a more measured tone. Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, acknowledged Bakare’s right to free speech and offered a tempered response.
“Pastor Tunde Bakare’s sermon and message to the President was largely objective,” Bwala said in a statement. “He critiqued certain decisions while acknowledging others. He also made constructive suggestions. We do not agree with him on all points, but we respect his freedom to express his views.”
Bwala added, “Importantly, he recognized some of the administration’s efforts and achievements. President Tinubu remains committed to fulfilling his promises to the Nigerian people.”
Pastor Bakare’s relationship with President Tinubu has been complex and layered with political rivalry and ideological differences. In 2022, he contested against Tinubu in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary.
Though he lost the ticket, Bakare has continued to maintain a public profile as a vocal critic of leadership and a proponent of national transformation.
His recent visit to the President, following such stark criticism, has raised questions about the nature of their engagement. Some political observers view the meeting as a reconciliatory gesture, while others see it as a necessary dialogue in a time of national uncertainty.
Regardless of the interpretation, Pastor Bakare remains clear about his goal: a working, unified Nigeria. “We must build a nation that works—for everyone,” he said. “This is not about political gamesmanship. It’s about the soul of our country.”
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