Respected cleric and former presidential aspirant, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has expressed deep concern over what he describes as Nigeria’s gradual descent into tyranny under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during a special Easter sermon at The Citadel Global Community Church in Lagos, Bakare warned that the democratic values for which many Nigerians fought are under serious threat, citing rising authoritarian tendencies in governance.
Bakare, who has remained an influential voice in Nigeria’s political and religious spaces, did not mince words as he delivered a stern message to the country’s leadership. He accused President Tinubu’s government of sidelining constitutional principles, silencing dissent, and prioritizing political loyalty over national development.
“This is not the democracy we fought for. When freedom of speech is suppressed, when the press is harassed, when critics are intimidated and opposition voices are shut down, we are no longer running a democracy—we are sliding toward tyranny,” Bakare said during his sermon.
A Call for Vigilance and Resistance
The fiery preacher urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not allow complacency to embolden political leaders who may be tempted to undermine democratic institutions. According to him, tyranny does not announce itself loudly but creeps in gradually under the guise of law and order.
“Nigerians must stay awake. We must not sleep through a revolution of power that robs us of our rights. Tyranny does not always come wearing a uniform—it sometimes comes dressed in agbada, smiling and waving,” he stated, to the loud applause of his congregation.
Bakare emphasized that true democracy thrives on checks and balances, transparency, and accountability. He noted that current trends indicate a dangerous shift from these ideals, pointing to recent cases of clampdowns on journalists, the persecution of political opponents, and a lack of meaningful public engagement on critical national issues.
Criticism of Economic Hardship and Policy Failures
In his message, Pastor Bakare also criticized the economic direction of the Tinubu administration, arguing that the policies so far have only deepened the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians. He cited the removal of fuel subsidy, naira devaluation, and spiraling inflation as policies that, though necessary in theory, were poorly implemented without adequate measures to cushion the effects.
“People are hungry. Families are struggling to survive. The price of food has gone beyond the reach of the average Nigerian. Meanwhile, those in power seem more concerned with political calculations than practical solutions,” Bakare said.
He warned that economic suffering, if left unchecked, could lead to widespread civil unrest and erode public trust in government institutions. “You cannot govern a hungry people with promises alone. Leadership is not about propaganda—it’s about results,” he stressed.
On Tinubu’s Leadership Style
Pastor Bakare, who once ran alongside President Muhammadu Buhari as his vice-presidential candidate in 2011 and later declared his intention to succeed Buhari in 2023, has had a history of bold political pronouncements. In his latest remarks, he took aim at Tinubu’s leadership style, suggesting that the president is centralizing power in a manner reminiscent of military rule.
“There is a growing cult of personality in Nigerian politics. Leaders are becoming untouchable, their actions unquestioned, and their critics demonized. This is a very dangerous path for any democracy,” he warned.
Bakare also took a swipe at those he described as “political jobbers and sycophants” who surround the president and distort the truth for their own benefit. He urged Tinubu to listen to the voices of reason and respond to the needs of the people rather than shielding himself from the realities on the ground.
Appeal to Religious and Civil Society Leaders
The cleric called on other religious leaders, civil society organizations, and moral authorities to speak up and hold the government accountable. According to him, silence in the face of oppression is complicity.
“If the pulpit remains silent while injustice reigns, then we have failed our people and betrayed our calling. Let the church rise. Let civil society wake up. Let the media stay bold. Democracy must be defended at all costs,” Bakare declared.
He maintained that the role of the church and civil society is not to be passive observers but to be active voices for the voiceless, especially in moments of national uncertainty.
Conclusion: Hope for a Democratic Rebirth
Despite the strong tone of his criticism, Pastor Bakare ended his message on a hopeful note, stating that Nigeria still has a chance to steer itself back on the right path if citizens remain courageous, informed, and united.
“We have been through darker times and survived. This is not the end of our story. But if we must write a new chapter, it will require more than prayers—it will demand action, responsibility, and sacrifice from all of us,” he concluded.
Pastor Bakare’s message has since sparked mixed reactions across social and political circles, with some praising his courage and clarity, while others question his own political ambitions and past affiliations.
Nonetheless, his latest remarks have added fuel to the growing national conversation about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the direction of Tinubu’s presidency.
