Tunde Bakare's Stand: A Pastor Turns Political Maverick
When Pastor Tunde Bakare declared he will never call Bola Tinubu 'my president,' it rang out as far more than an offhand remark. As head of The Citadel Global Community Church and a former presidential aspirant, Bakare is not just any pastor or political commentator—he's a figure who has weathered the storms of Nigeria's turbulent democracy for years. So, when someone of his credibility outright rejects identifying President Tinubu with a sense of personal loyalty, it instantly shakes up conversations across the country.
These comments didn't just pop out of nowhere. Bakare participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary in June 2022, competing for the party’s presidential ticket. Despite spending a whopping N100 million on nomination forms, he walked away with zero votes. But instead of feeling humiliated, Bakare wore this loss like a medal, calling it a 'badge of honour.' For him, it wasn’t really defeat—he saw it as a statement about how the current system works, and a reflection of the integrity he claims to uphold. That’s a rare perspective in a political culture where personal gain and winning at all costs are often the goals.
What really stands out in Bakare’s words is his frustration with how the 2023 electoral process played out. He’s particularly irked at what he sees as the lack of openness and humility in those now holding power—especially Tinubu. Bakare is not just nitpicking from the sidelines; he helped build the APC and has always argued for leadership rooted in responsibility to the people, not just winning votes.
Accountability, Not Just Criticism: What Bakare Demands
Bakare’s critique of Tinubu's government isn't limited to policy tweaks. He wants more openness, more accountability—things Nigeria's political elite often promise but rarely deliver. In his recent address, Bakare made it clear he thinks the country is drifting away from its democratic ideals. He’s worried about more than just the usual political missteps; he believes Nigeria is at risk of real democratic erosion, with consequences he says could haunt future generations.
He also put an end to any speculation that he's angling for a top government job. Bakare says he would only consider a ministerial post if it was on his own terms—and even then, he stressed that he’s not desperate for public office. It feels like he's drawing a line in the sand: if leadership isn't about genuine service and fixing real problems, he'd rather stay out.
This isn’t the first time Bakare has challenged the status quo. He's known for speaking blunt truths, often at the cost of upsetting allies. This time, his focus is the urgent need for practical, trustworthy leadership to tackle Nigeria’s long list of crises—from biting inflation to insecurity and a disenchanted youth. He believes leaders like Tinubu have to do better, not just for the party, but for everyone struggling with daily realities.
At its core, Bakare's refusal to use the phrase 'my president' sums up a broader struggle in Nigerian politics. For many, it’s a signal that political loyalty shouldn’t be blind or automatic. It’s a call to demand more from those in charge, and to expect leaders who aren’t afraid to own up to their shortcomings. In a country where talking back to power can be risky, Bakare’s stand has left plenty of people talking—and wondering what real political accountability might look like in Nigeria’s future.
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