Former presidential aspirant and overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the president’s private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
The closed-door meeting, which came just days after Bakare publicly criticized the administration’s handling of national affairs, focused on key national issues and the overall state of the country.
In April 2025, during a sermon at his church, Bakare had openly urged President Tinubu to take urgent and strategic actions to rescue Nigeria from deepening insecurity and economic hardship. He emphasized the need for humility in leadership and advised the president to “stop playing God” and be receptive to wise counsel.
Speaking to his congregation, Bakare warned that Nigeria’s trajectory was becoming increasingly dangerous:
“We need a coordinated programme to restore order. Without decisive leadership, insecurity and hardship will only worsen.”
He expressed concern over the rising incidents of killings and kidnappings, especially in states like Plateau and Benue, and criticized the excessive reliance on prayer as a substitute for action:
“Faithful Nigerians have prayed to the point of exhaustion. Today, many view further calls to prayer as nothing more than empty ritual.”
Bakare warned of potential unrest if practical steps are not taken urgently:
“Some citizens now believe we’ve prayed enough. Without pragmatic, immediate reforms, the anger of the poor may trigger serious social and political consequences.”
Though the details of the meeting between Bakare and Tinubu remain private, the visit signals a possible effort at dialogue and reconciliation amid growing national challenges.
