You are Bitter Rival, Reno Omokri Slams Pastor Tunde Bakare, for Criticising Tinubu
Social Media commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has dismissed Pastor Tunde Bakare as bitter and envious following the cleric’s criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Omokri accused Bakare of harboring political envy and frustration, stating that the pastor was speaking not as a spiritual leader but as a “defeated and bitter rival” covetous of Tinubu’s position.
The controversy stems from a sermon delivered by Pastor Bakare on Sunday, April 20, where he launched a fiery critique of the Tinubu administration. He described Tinubu’s governance style as “a motor park brand of politics” and suggested that the National Assembly was functioning as a “rubber stamp” institution serving the President’s interests.
Bakare also lamented over the state of the nation, pointing to worsening economic conditions and insecurity. His comments quickly drew attention online and reignited debates about the role of religious leaders in political discourse.
In a swift response shared across social media platforms, Reno Omokri dismissed Bakare’s statements as politically motivated.
“Tunde Bakare wanted to be President. He contested against President Bola Tinubu for the APC primary on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, and was soundly defeated. Tunde Bakare scored ZERO votes at the primary. Please fact-check me. He is not speaking as a pastor or prophet. He is speaking as a defeated and bitter rival who is covetous of the President’s position,” Omokri said.
Omokri further referenced Bakare’s 2022 claim that he was divinely ordained to become Nigeria’s 16th President, a prophecy that clearly did not come to pass and questioned the credibility of such spiritual declarations.
“This is a man who told Nigerians that heaven had ordained him to be the next president after Buhari. Today, the reality is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the 16th President of Nigeria. Do you then expect him to be happy for Tinubu for occupying a position he believes was promised to him by heaven? he mocked Bakare.
The public clash has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some praised Pastor Bakare for speaking truth to power and highlighting critical national issues, while others supported Omokri’s view, interpreting Bakare’s criticism as a manifestation of political disappointment.
This exchange highlights the blurred lines between religion and politics in Nigeria, where influential clerics often engage in political commentary or pursue leadership roles.
Tunde Bakare, a former running mate to President Buhari in 2011 and a prominent critic of successive governments, has never hidden his political aspirations.
While President Tinubu has not responded directly to Bakare’s comments, observers believe this renewed friction may stir further political debates as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic reforms, fuel subsidy cuts, and insecurity.
