Bakare eulogises Buhari’s leadership, says the late president allowed free choice in APC succession and served Nigeria to the best of his ability
Bakare eulogises Buhari’s leadership in a moving tribute on national television, describing the late former president as a patriot who served Nigeria with conviction and dignity.
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The Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Monday paid glowing tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Bakare described Buhari as a colossus whose presence and leadership defined an era in Nigerian politics.
“There was no written pact between us,” he said, dismissing speculation of any succession deal between him and the late president. “He is late, I will never say anything unfair about him.”
Bakare, who was Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 general election under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), recalled the strength of character and fairness the former president displayed during his presidency, especially in the 2022 presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress.
According to the cleric, Buhari’s respect for democratic processes became clear during the lead-up to the party’s presidential primaries.
“One night before the primary, he invited all the presidential aspirants. We sat with him in the conference hall of the villa,” Bakare recalled.
He recounted Buhari’s words that evening: “I have allowed the governors to choose who will succeed them or to go for a second term if they are going for a second term. I am asking you today to allow me to also freely choose the person I desire to succeed me.”
Bakare explained that Buhari’s approach was widely respected by key party figures, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Badaru, and former Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu.
The pastor also took the opportunity to reflect on his evolving relationship with Buhari, admitting past misjudgements.
“I thought Buhari was a religious fundamentalist until we became close,” Bakare said.
Their later relationship, he noted, revealed a man of principle who endured criticism but remained committed to national unity.
Bakare eulogises Buhari leadership not just as a tribute, but as a reminder of the complexity and demands of public service in a divided country.
He acknowledged the criticisms the former president faced but affirmed that Buhari did his best within the circumstances.
As tributes continue to pour in, Bakare’s remarks reinforce a common sentiment that, while Buhari’s leadership drew mixed reactions, his devotion to the nation remained evident.
Also read: National Assembly Suspends Sessions Over Buhari’s Death
The legacy of his presidency, shaped by fierce independence and hard decisions, continues to stir deep reflection among Nigeria’s political and religious elite.
