Pastor Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has dismissed claims that his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was driven by personal gain or political ambition.
Bakare, who was a presidential aspirant in the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, met with Tinubu last week at the State House — a meeting that quickly triggered speculation about a possible political alliance or appointment.
Addressing the rumours during a sermon at his church, Bakare made it clear that his visit was purely in the interest of national progress.
“Some people still think he went there to settle himself. In what way have I ever settled myself before? What they gave me, I returned. What am I looking for?” he said, as reported by Vanguard.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Bakare explained that their conversation focused on strategies to advance Nigeria’s development.
“It’s not just about expressing reservations — it’s about what can make the country work. My vision is to see Nigeria succeed in my lifetime,” he stated.
Bakare noted that he made some suggestions to the president but emphasized that the choice to act on them rests solely with Tinubu.
Despite the cordial tone of the meeting, Bakare did not hold back in criticizing the current political climate. He accused Tinubu of promoting a “motor park brand of politics” that encourages legislative recklessness and undermines constitutional governance. He urged for a shift toward more principled and responsible leadership, warning that Nigeria is too fragile to endure such a style of governance.
In response to Bakare’s remarks, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, condemned the pastor’s comments as “sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary” that could damage public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Adaramodu also pointed out that Bakare’s history as a political contender — including his previous run as a vice-presidential candidate — must be taken into account when evaluating his statements.
