Popular Lagos-based cleric and former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of overstepping democratic boundaries and undermining the principles of separation of powers in Nigeria.
Delivering a state of the nation address on Sunday at the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) in Lagos, Pastor Bakare warned that Nigeria was heading down a dangerous path due to what he described as an unhealthy relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government. He accused the Tinubu administration of eroding legislative independence and consolidating power in a way that threatens democracy.
“To the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under whose brand of politics the institution of legislative oversight is collapsing and our democracy is faced with an existential threat, I say: Mr. President, Nigeria is too delicate for this kind of politics,” Bakare declared.
Using strong language, the outspoken pastor said President Tinubu must stop acting like he holds absolute power over the country.
“If this state capture was what you meant by *emi lo kan*, it is an anti-climax that can only be counterproductive in the end,” Bakare said, referring to Tinubu’s now-famous Yoruba expression meaning “it’s my turn” used during his campaign. “Please, stop playing God!”
Pastor Bakare did not spare the National Assembly in his critique. He described the 10th Assembly as the weakest in Nigeria’s recent history, accusing it of operating more like a department of the presidency than an independent arm of government. According to him, the legislature has failed in its role to check the powers of the executive, choosing instead to rubber-stamp presidential decisions.
“This National Assembly, the Tenth, has by its unconstitutional endorsement of the president’s abuse of powers proven to be the most spineless in our recent history,” he said. “Through its actions and inactions, the National Assembly has, in effect, become the 48th member of the president’s cabinet.”
Bakare also raised concerns about recent decisions made by the National Assembly, including the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the endorsement of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He claimed these moves demonstrated how the legislature has become an “extension of the executive,” neglecting its duty to protect the democratic process.
He also alleged that a cabinet minister—without naming names—had become so powerful in Rivers State that they now function like a third-term governor, allegedly with President Tinubu’s backing.
Pastor Tunde Bakare, known for his fiery sermons and outspoken political views, has been a vocal critic of successive Nigerian governments. In 2011, he ran as the vice-presidential candidate alongside President Muhammadu Buhari under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). In 2022, he contested for the APC’s presidential ticket but lost to Tinubu.
His latest address adds to growing concerns among Nigerians about the centralisation of power and what critics describe as the weakening of democratic institutions under the current administration.
Since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, his leadership has faced mounting criticism over economic hardship, insecurity, and alleged disregard for due process. While his supporters praise him for decisive leadership and efforts to reform the economy, opponents argue that he is tightening his grip on power and undermining democratic checks and balances.
In his speech, Pastor Bakare urged the president to reflect deeply on the consequences of holding too much power. Quoting a famous political saying, he said, “No man is wise enough nor good enough to be trusted with unlimited power.”
He reminded the president that the strength of a democracy lies in the balance of power among its institutions and called for a return to true governance where each arm of government operates independently but cooperatively.
“Nigeria is too delicate for authoritarian politics,” Bakare warned. “If democracy is to survive in this nation, then the National Assembly must wake up to its constitutional responsibilities.”
Although reactions to Pastor Bakare’s address are still pouring in, his message is likely to spark a national conversation on the state of democracy in Nigeria. Civil society groups, political analysts, and opposition parties have previously raised similar concerns about what they see as overreach by the Tinubu administration.
Some lawmakers have defended their actions, claiming they are working in the best interest of the country, but critics argue that legislative independence is being sacrificed for political loyalty.
As the nation approaches key legislative and policy decisions, Pastor Bakare’s remarks may place increased pressure on both the executive and legislative branches to restore public trust and reinforce the democratic process.
