In a lively webinar titled “Building the New Nigeria: The Role of the Diaspora,” Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, made a bold statement that caught everyone’s attention. He emphatically stated that he would never refer to the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, as his president. The webinar, organized by the PTB4Nigeria In Diaspora Group, shed light on various issues, including the recently concluded 2023 elections, which Pastor Bakare criticized for falling below acceptable standards.
During the engaging Q&A session following his speech, Pastor Bakare was asked if he would consider working for the new government as a Minister of Diaspora Engagements. In response, he couldn’t help but chuckle, revealing that he had already expressed his sentiments to the outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari, just a week prior. Bakare recounted his conversation with Buhari, where he explained that he referred to him both as the President of Nigeria and “My President” at different times. However, he drew a sharp contrast when it came to Tinubu, expressing his reluctance to acknowledge him as his president due to concerns about the values he represents.
Pastor Bakare vowed that until the mess surrounding the elections is resolved, he would address Tinubu as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at public lectures, but he would never consider him his president. He emphasized that he did not participate in the elections, thereby dismissing any claims of a loss in the exercise.
Reflecting on his previous involvement in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election, where he garnered no votes, Pastor Bakare remained steadfast. He proudly stated that although he did not physically witness the voting or receive any scores, the fact that he and numerous others stood up for truth within a mere seven minutes was a testament to their unwavering principles. Despite receiving the badge of zero votes, he wore it as a badge of honor.