It is a revelation that raises eyebrows. Pastor Tunde Bakare, fiery cleric, former running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari, and leader of the Citadel Global Community Church, has finally opened up on why he walked away from power — after President Bola Tinubu personally offered him a ministerial slot.
Speaking far from home, at Envoy Nation in Leicester, United Kingdom, on Sunday, Bakare broke his silence.
His reason? Age. Principle. And a different kind of loyalty.
“I told Tinubu I’m too old to be a minister, but I will help in the background in any way I think will help my country,” he declared.
It was not a rejection of Tinubu. It was a rejection of office.
Bakare said he chose the background over the cabinet table — to advise, to criticise constructively, to propose solutions, not to sit in the Federal Executive Council.
Why reveal this now?
The timing is telling. As Tinubu’s administration battles public discontent, economic hardship and internal APC tensions, questions have swirled about where Bakare stands — ally, critic, or silent opponent.
With this disclosure, Bakare is drawing his line.
“I have never been part of the opposition. I am a propositional platform, if I see something wrong, I will suggest a solution,” he said.
“I can’t change sides quickly by joining one party today and another tomorrow. I am a full member of APC, and I will vote when the time comes.”
In one breath, he has dismissed defection rumours, reaffirmed his APC membership, and explained his absence from Tinubu’s government — not out of bitterness, but by choice.
