During a webinar, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, expressed his reasons for refusing to address President-elect Bola Tinubu as "My President."
In his remarks, Pastor Bakare criticized the 2023 election for its malpractices and substandard standards. He specifically accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of mishandling the election process, stating that Nigeria is transitioning from a leader known for integrity and incorruptibility to someone who lacks those values.
Addressing the situation, Pastor Bakare stated:
"Last Wednesday, I was at the Glass House where he (Buhari) has been restricted now because the main house is being renovated. I said I have done that for you. I want you to know that, because of the circumstances of your flying into power on the wings of integrity and incorruptibility, but you’re now passing onto someone who does not have that value.
"At any public lecture anywhere, before this mess is cleared off, I will address Asiwaju (Tinubu) as a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but I will never call him my president.
"I participated in the primary, and there were hundreds (of persons) who participated only by stepping down, so there is no shame in what we have done. We spoke truth to power.
"I wasn’t there when they voted, I wasn’t there when they scored (me) zero, but we won that badge of zero and badge of honour."
Regarding a potential nomination to become a Minister, Pastor Bakare stated that he is not desperate for such a position. While he had been offered the role before and declined, he emphasized that his purpose in life extends beyond photo opportunities and handshakes with the president. However, he expressed a willingness to accept the position if it would benefit even a single citizen.
