By TOBA ALABI
Introduction
Pastor Tunde Bakare remains one of Nigeria’s most vocal and controversial figures in the intersection between religion and politics. As the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, he has consistently maintained an active presence in Nigeria’s socio-political discourse. However, his political ambition, prophetic declarations, and moral pronouncements have sparked wide debates within both ecclesiastical and secular spheres. While religious leaders have a right to contribute to national discourse, it becomes imperative to interrogate the authenticity, consistency, and purpose of such interventions, particularly when cloaked in prophetic declarations and political posturing. In this article, we examine Pastor Bakare’s foray into politics through the lens of the pontifical and episcopal community, exploring the contradictions of his utterances, the need for integrity among clerics, and the implications of politicized religion in a fragile democracy.
The Role of Religious Leaders in Politics: Holiness and Righteousness a Must
The pontifical and episcopal offices in Christian theology represent the apex of spiritual authority and moral leadership. Those who occupy such positions are expected to exemplify holiness, righteousness, integrity, and truth. In this regard, a pastor is more than a preacher; he is a moral compass and an ambassador of divine virtues. When religious leaders choose to enter politics or engage in political commentary, they are expected to retain these values and not descend into partisan mudslinging or opportunism.
Unfortunately, Pastor Tunde Bakare’s conduct in the political arena has, over time, drawn questions about his fidelity to these values. From his association with Muhammadu Buhari to his bold declaration that he would succeed the former president, Bakare has increasingly blurred the lines between prophecy and personal ambition. His vision of succeeding Buhari was not merely a hope; it was declared on national television as a divine revelation. However, such a prophecy, unfulfilled and unretracted, has led many within the Christian community to question the credibility of spiritual claims in Nigeria’s public space.
This is especially troubling in light of James 3:1, which warns: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Clerics must understand that the sacredness of their office demands a higher level of accountability in words and actions, particularly when speaking in the name of God.
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Bakare’s Prophetic Politics: Between Vision and Vanity
In 2019, Bakare declared that he was number 16 in the line of Nigerian Presidents and that he would become number 16 after Buhari, whom he described as number 15. This was not a mere political ambition but presented as a divine mandate. However, Nigeria’s 2023 general elections came and passed with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not Bakare, emerging as the president. This raises critical questions: Was the prophecy false? Was it conditional? Or was it merely a figment of his imagination cloaked in divine language to command followership?
The danger here lies not just in the failed prophecy but in the damage it does to the Christian prophetic office. Jeremiah 23:16 offers a sober warning: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.” When ministers declare visions in the name of God and fail to actualize them, they compromise the integrity of the pulpit. It becomes harder for genuine prophetic voices to be heard or trusted.
It is time for Bakare to return to his first love—the ministry of the Word, the care of souls, and the fearless but balanced advocacy for truth and justice. Prophecy must be rooted in holiness, not ambition.
Bakare’s political prophecies, therefore, do not merely reflect personal ambition gone awry—they represent a wider crisis in Nigerian Christianity, where the sacred is often commercialized and politicized.
Fiery but Empty Rhetoric: The Need for Pastoral Sobriety
Pastor Bakare is known for his fiery sermons and critiques of political leadership. Over the years, he has lambasted successive Nigerian governments for corruption, injustice, and mismanagement. While this may appeal to the masses, it is crucial to examine whether his rhetoric is driven by righteous indignation or political opportunism. Fiery speeches are not substitutes for policy ideas or sound theology. Unfortunately, Bakare’s pronouncements have often lacked depth, clarity, or constructive proposals. They stir emotions but offer no real solutions. The temptation to become Nigeria’s “political conscience” may be alluring, but without consistency and integrity, such a posture becomes performative rather than prophetic.
Furthermore, Bakare’s criticisms often reflect an inconsistency that undermines his credibility. He once endorsed Buhari and served as his running mate in 2011. He later became a critic of the same administration. Now, he appears to have turned his sights on President Bola Tinubu, offering unsolicited and often harsh criticisms. This flip-flop raises legitimate concerns about the objectivity and motivations behind his pronouncements.
A Return to Pastoral Duties: The Church Needs Shepherds, Not Politicians
The church is in dire need of true shepherds—men and women devoted to nurturing souls, defending the truth, and promoting righteousness. The challenge of Nigeria today is not the absence of political voices but the scarcity of moral voices who do not seek political relevance or financial gain. Bakare must be reminded that his highest calling is not to the presidency but to the pulpit. It is in the pulpit that he is most powerful and influential. Diverting from this sacred duty in pursuit of temporal office dilutes the sanctity of his ministry.
Christ’s caution in Matthew 6:24 is timeless: “No man can serve two masters… Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” This speaks to the tension between spiritual commitment and the pursuit of political power and influence. Instead of using the pulpit to pursue political ambition, Bakare should recommit to mentoring a new generation of spiritually grounded Nigerians who can enter politics with integrity. If he truly believes in the Nigeria of his dreams, he must build it not by contesting elections with zero traction, but by nurturing ideas, values, and leadership from the grassroots.
The Quest for Money and Relevance: A Dangerous Drift
There are growing concerns that behind Bakare’s activism lies a deeper quest for relevance and possibly financial leverage. His attacks on the current administration, especially his unguarded remarks on the Tinubu government, appear less prophetic and more political. This trajectory is dangerous. Clerics must resist the temptation to use national crisis as a stage for self-promotion. When church leaders start to sound like opposition politicians rather than neutral moral voices, they lose their distinctive authority and fall into the trap of partisanship.
Moreover, the Nigerian public is increasingly discerning. They can differentiate between genuine advocacy and calculated media drama. The perception that Bakare is more interested in limelight and political office than pastoral ministry must be addressed—not with more rhetoric, but with repentance and a change in focus.
Conclusion: Time for Reflection and Renewal
Pastor Tunde Bakare is a brilliant, articulate, and bold man. He has a place in Nigeria’s history of prophetic activism. However, that legacy is in danger of being eroded by missteps, unfulfilled visions, political desperation, and inconsistent pronouncements. The pontifical and episcopal community must rise to the occasion by holding itself to the highest standards of integrity, humility, and responsibility.
In this age where truth is scarce and morality is fragile, Nigeria needs fewer political pastors and more prophetic shepherds. It is time for Bakare to return to his first love—the ministry of the Word, the care of souls, and the fearless but balanced advocacy for truth and justice. Prophecy must be rooted in holiness, not ambition. Politics must be separated from the pulpit. And above all, religious leaders must remember that their relevance is not determined by political appointments, but by faithfulness to their divine mandate.
*Alabi is Professor of Political Science, Defence and Security Studies ([email protected] / 08036787582).
