In a significant development on June 4, 2025, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the leader of Citadel Global Community Church, paid a private visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos. The meeting was officially confirmed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, who posted a photo of the two men together on social media platform X.
After the closed-door session, Pastor Bakare addressed the press, outlining the key themes of his discussion with the President. He revealed that their conversation revolved around national development and the future trajectory of Nigeria. “It’s not about just reservations. It’s about how the country will go well,” Bakare said, underscoring his desire to witness a functional and prosperous Nigeria within his lifetime.
He explained that discussions with the nation’s leader often involve presenting ideas and leaving the final decision to the President’s discretion. “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,” he noted.
Bakare expressed satisfaction with the President’s reception and expressed hope that divine intervention would guide the nation. “I’m glad that he received me well and I trust that God will help our nation,” he said.
The cleric also emphasized the need for national unity and collaboration, urging Nigerians from all regions to work together. “I’d like to see Nigerians being their brother’s keeper. I like to see good collaboration between the best of the north and the best of the south to steer Nigeria in the right direction,” he stated.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, Bakare called for decisive action to eradicate poverty. “We have danced around some subjects for too long a time; it’s time to take concrete action to ensure that the mercies of our country do not live in abject poverty, that’s all,” he added.
This meeting follows a period of public criticism by Bakare towards the National Assembly. During his Easter State-of-the-Nation broadcast, he accused the legislature of being compromised, calling it “a haven for legislative rascality” and alleging it had become the “48th member” of President Tinubu’s cabinet. The Senate responded strongly, with spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu stating that Bakare had “crossed the line.”
Bakare’s political history includes his 2022 bid for the APC presidential nomination, where he contested against Tinubu, adding a nuanced backdrop to their recent engagement.