Pastor Tunde Bakare, a prominent Nigerian religious leader and politician, has traversed a multifaceted journey through the realms of spirituality and politics. His path has been marked by some accomplishments, but also scrutinized for inconsistencies in his character and approach to national issues.
As he continues to use his church podium to speak on national issues in Nigeria, he will continue to occupy a pivotal space in the country’s public discourse. This brief review of his trajectory offers insights into his evolution as both a pastor and a politician.
Who is Tunde Bakare? Hiss journey began within the realm of spirituality. Born on November 11, 1954, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, he discovered his calling to ministry at a young age. In 1984, he founded the Latter Rain Assembly, a church known for its strong messages of societal transformation and spiritual awakening. Bakare’s charismatic preaching style and advocacy for social justice quickly propelled him to national prominence.
In 2021, Pastor Tunde Bakare changed the name of his church, Latter Rain Assembly, to Citadel Global Community Church. According to him, the decision to change the name was driven by a desire to reposition the church for a broader and more inclusive global community outreach.
Pastor Bakare and the leadership believed that the new name better reflected the church’s evolving mission and vision, expanding beyond the boundaries of a local assembly to foster a sense of unity and community on a global scale.
The rebranding was also seen as a way to modernize the church’s image and resonate with a wider audience, both nationally and internationally, as it continued to engage with societal and spiritual matters.
Inconsistencies in Character: However, as Pastor Bakare’s influence expanded, his character and approach to national issues became a subject of scrutiny. While championing societal transformation, he has at times exhibited inconsistencies that have raised questions about his authenticity.
Critics point to his dual roles as a pastor and politician, citing instances where his advocacy seemed influenced by political ambitions rather than unwavering spiritual convictions.
While he has often positioned himself as a voice of moral authority and accountability, some critics argue that his active involvement in politics raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and compromised his role as a spiritual leader.
His decision to run for political office in the past, despite his strong advocacy for transparency and accountability, led to accusations of opportunism and a blurring of the lines between his spiritual and political roles. The worst of his political entanglement was participating in the last APC presidential primaries where form was sold for as high as 100 Million Naira.
Another instance of inconsistency lies in his stance on various national issues. While Bakare has been vocal about government corruption and mismanagement, his viewpoints on certain policies have shifted over time, leading to accusations of political expediency.
For example, he was initially supportive of the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria, which led to nationwide protests, but later criticized the government’s handling of the issue. These shifts in position have led some to question the authenticity and consistency of his advocacy, raising concerns about whether his motivations are purely principled or influenced by political considerations.
Pastor Bakare’s approach to addressing national issues has also raised eyebrows in other instances. His participation as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2011 elections, showcased his desire to directly impact governance.
However, his shifting stance on various matters, from the credibility of electoral processes to economic policies, has led some to question his commitment to an unswerving moral compass. Critics argue that his alignment with different political figures and parties has raised doubts about his objectivity.
Reflecting on Pastor Bakare’s next moves: Pastor Bakare has not described himself as a prophet. At least not yet. It is also not possible to “prophesy” on what he does or says next. But one thing is sure, he will not stop talking. His pulpit in church will always have something for the press to write about. The current President Bola Tinubu, though a fellow Yoruba man does not seem to be in Pastor Bakare’s good books.
So, the public will sure have more politically coated sermons about the current administration. The potential for Pastor Bakare’s continued engagement in political affairs could be a catalyst for change or further complexity. The Nigerian populace can also anticipate his role in upcoming elections, keeping a watchful eye on whether his approaches to national issues evolve toward a more coherent stance or continue to reflect the dual nature of his influence as a pastor and politician.
