Tinubu Parleys Tunde Bakare in Lagos Amid Calls for National Unity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, at his private residence in Lagos.
The visit, which has attracted widespread public and political interest, marked a significant engagement between the two figures, especially following months of public criticism of Tinubu’s administration by the prominent cleric.
While details of the discussion were not officially disclosed, sources close to both camps confirmed that the meeting focused on national development, governance, and the need for unity across Nigeria’s diverse regions. Pastor Bakare, speaking with journalists after the meeting, described the encounter as constructive and forward-looking.
“It’s not just about expressing reservations,” Bakare said. “It’s about how the country can go well. My personal vision is to see a nation that works in my lifetime.” He stressed the importance of engaging with leaders directly and offering solutions rather than remaining critical from a distance.
“When you discuss with the person in charge, you leave it with him to do whatsoever he wills with what you have suggested,” he added.
The meeting comes just weeks after Pastor Bakare delivered a fiery sermon in which he accused the Tinubu administration of straying from its promises.
In the April address, he warned the president against “playing God” and called for a more humble and responsive approach to governance, particularly in the face of rising economic challenges and insecurity.
Observers have long noted the complex relationship between Tinubu and Bakare.
The two were once political allies, with Bakare running as Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential election under the Congress for Progressive Change. However, in recent years, they have publicly disagreed on various national issues, with Bakare positioning himself as a moral voice calling for reform and accountability.
Following the meeting, Bakare emphasized the need for Nigerians to come together and support one another, regardless of region or political affiliation.
“I’d like to see Nigerians being their brother’s keeper. I want to see good collaboration between the best of the North and the best of the South to steer Nigeria in the right direction. I’d like to see predictable progress in our nation,” he said.
The meeting has sparked widespread discussion on social media and among political analysts, with many viewing it as a possible step toward reconciliation and consensus-building. While some praised the meeting as a sign of maturity and dialogue, others questioned whether it would lead to real policy changes or reforms.
Dr. Yusuf Adegbite, a political analyst, noted that the engagement may signal a new phase in national discourse. “This meeting sends a message that dialogue is still possible, even between critics and those in power. But Nigerians will judge the impact by what follows.”
As the Tinubu administration continues to navigate a turbulent economic landscape and growing calls for reform, Tuesday’s meeting with Pastor Bakare may represent more than just a political gesture—it could be a step toward broader national healing.
