Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, expressed his reluctance to refer to President-elect Bola Tinubu as his president.
During a webinar titled ‘Building the New Nigeria: The Role of the Diaspora,’ monitored by News About Nigeria, Bakare voiced his concerns about the electoral process and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of mishandling the 2023 elections.
When asked if he would consider serving as a Minister of Diaspora Engagements in the new government, Bakare jokingly stated that he would convey the same message he shared with President General Muhammadu Buhari.
Bakare recalled his recent meeting with President Buhari at the Glass House, where he emphasized his previous support for the president due to his reputation for integrity and incorruptibility.
However, Bakare expressed reservations about passing on power to someone who does not possess these values.
He further stated that he would address Tinubu as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in public lectures, but he would not consider him his president.
Bakare clarified that he did not participate in the elections, rendering claims of his defeat baseless.
While he took part in the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in June 2022, where nomination forms were sold for N100 million, he did not receive any votes.
Regarding this matter, he explained that many individuals, including himself, withdrew from the primary, emphasizing that their actions were rooted in truth and the courage to challenge those in power.
When asked about the possibility of becoming a minister in the incoming government, Bakare stated that there would be conditions attached to such a role.
However, he stressed that he was not desperate for the position, rejecting a previous offer in the past.
He emphasized that his purpose in life extended beyond taking photographs and shaking hands with the president, expressing his willingness to serve if it would benefit even a single citizen.
Tinubu is set to be inaugurated as the President of Nigeria on Monday, May 29. During a meeting with President Buhari, Tinubu received the transition report and assured Nigerians that he would not disappoint them.
He pledged to address crucial issues such as security, power, and other challenges faced by the nation.
