Presidency Replies Pastor Bakare’s Easter Sermon

The Presidency has responded to recent remarks by Pastor Tunde Bakare, following the cleric’s Easter Sunday sermon in which he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, likening it to “motor park politics.” In a measured response, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, acknowledged Bakare’s right to critique the administration and described his message as “objective” and “constructive.”

Bwala, writing via his verified X account, stated that Pastor Bakare’s comments touched on various government policies—some praised, others criticised—and included suggestions for national improvement. “Pastor Tunde Bakare’s sermon and speech delivered this morning in form of a message to @officialABAT is quite objective. He gave his general opinion on events and decisions of government; he critiqued certain policies and applauded some; he further offered his suggestions on the way forward,” Bwala wrote.

The response came amid growing public discussion over Bakare’s sermon, which warned against what he described as a “motor park brand of politics” and called on Nigerians to declare a state of emergency due to perceived governance failures. Despite his harsh criticism, Bakare also acknowledged certain strides made by the Tinubu administration, a nuance Bwala highlighted in his reaction.

“Although we differ with him in some areas and positions, we respect his right to say his mind, and assure him, as with many Nigerians, that President Tinubu is determined to deliver on the promise to the Nigerian people,” Bwala stated.

Bakare, a former presidential aspirant and long-time political commentator, has often oscillated between critique and cautious support for President Tinubu. His Easter message continued that tradition—critical, yet ultimately couched in appeals for national progress and responsible governance.