Pastor Tunde Bakare visits President Tinubu in Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday hosted the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, at his private residence in Lagos.

The visit was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared the development via his official X handle.

Speaking after the closed-door meeting, Pastor Bakare said their discussion centred on Nigeria’s national development and future. “It’s not about just reservations. It’s about how the country will go well,” he stated. “My personal vision is to see a nation that works in my lifetime, and those things I’ve discussed with Mr President, they’re not hidden things, but I’ve learned that when you discuss with the person in charge, you leave it with him to do whatsoever he wills with what you have suggested.”

Bakare, a former APC presidential aspirant in the 2023 elections, expressed satisfaction with the reception he received from the President. “I’ve had a private conversation with Mr President and I’m glad that he received me well. I trust that God will help our nation,” he added.

The visit comes months after Bakare publicly criticised President Tinubu’s leadership. In April, the cleric accused the President of steering the country in the wrong direction and warned against excessive concentration of power. He had said, “Mr. President, Nigeria is too delicate for this kind of politics. If this state capture was what you meant by emi lo kan, it is an anti-climax that can only be counterproductive in the end.”

Bakare also condemned the relationship between the executive and legislative arms under Tinubu’s watch, alleging that the National Assembly had turned into a haven for “legislative rascality” and urged the President to stop “playing God.”

Despite those strong remarks, Wednesday’s meeting appeared cordial, with both men reportedly exchanging ideas on ways to move the country forward.