Get Guardian on GoogleThe leader of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has explained why he declined an offer from President Bola Tinubu to serve as a minister in his administration.
Tunde Bakare said he rejected the offer because he considered himself too old to take up the responsibilities of a minister, preferring instead to support the government from behind the scenes.
The cleric made this known while speaking at an event organised by Envoy Nation in Leicester on Sunday.
According to him, he had assured Tinubu that although he was not interested in joining his cabinet, he remained willing to contribute to national development by offering advice and suggesting solutions whenever necessary.
Bakare explained that his decision to stay outside the government should not be interpreted as opposition to the Tinubu administration, insisting that he had never belonged to the opposition.
He described himself as a platform for constructive suggestions, noting that he would speak up whenever he identified something wrong with government policies or actions.
The former presidential candidate also reaffirmed his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing suggestions that he could easily switch political allegiance.
He said: “I told Tinubu I’m too old to be a minister, but I will help in the background in any way I think will help my country. I have never been part of the opposition. I am a propositional platform, if I see something wrong, I will suggest a solution.
“I can’t change sides quickly by joining one party today and another tomorrow. I am a full member of APC, and I will vote when the time comes.”
Bakare’s remarks highlight his preference for contributing to governance through private counsel and constructive criticism rather than occupying a formal position in the Tinubu administration.
