- President Bola Tinubu welcomed Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, to his Lagos residence on Wednesday for a private meeting focused on Nigeria’s future.
The visit, which comes weeks after Bakare’s sharp criticism of Tinubu’s administration, has sparked widespread interest and speculation about the state of the nation and potential reconciliation between the two former political rivals.
The meeting, described as cordial, centered on critical national issues, with Bakare emphasizing peace, unity, and measurable progress as key priorities for Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Bakare stated, “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 expressed hope for a “Nigeria that works” in his lifetime, highlighting the need for effective governance to address poverty and economic challenges.
Bakare, a prominent cleric and former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant who competed against Tinubu in the 2022 primaries, has been vocal about the administration’s policies.
In April 2025, during a state-of-the-nation address, he accused Tinubu of “playing God” and steering Nigeria toward tyranny, criticizing the weakening of democratic institutions and the economic hardships triggered by policies like fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation.
The visit follows a series of high-profile meetings at Tinubu’s Lagos residence, including recent engagements with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Afrobeats star Davido, and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. These interactions underscore Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to build bridges amid Nigeria’s complex political and economic landscape.
While the specifics of the discussion remain undisclosed, Bakare’s call for peace and unity aligns with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to tackle economic instability and reduce poverty.
However, with Nigeria grappling with a cost-of-living crisis and political tensions, the meeting raises questions about whether such dialogues can translate into tangible policy shifts.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the Tinubu-Bakare meeting may signal efforts to mend fences or strategize for national stability. Observers note that Bakare’s influence as a cleric and political figure could play a role in shaping public discourse.
For now, the nation watches closely to see if this engagement marks a turning point in their relationship and Nigeria’s broader trajectory.
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