The Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has disclosed that he rejected an offer to serve as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration because of his age.
Bakare made the revelation on Sunday while speaking at an event organised by Envoy Nation in Leicester, United Kingdom.
The cleric explained that although he declined the appointment, he assured the President of his willingness to contribute to the success of the administration without occupying a government position.
According to him, his decision was informed by his belief that he could still make meaningful contributions to national development without necessarily holding public office.
“I told Tinubu I’m too old to be a minister,” Bakare said, adding that he remained prepared to offer assistance behind the scenes whenever necessary.
The outspoken pastor also dismissed suggestions that his frequent criticism of government policies meant he had aligned himself with opposition forces.
He maintained that his interventions on national issues were driven by a desire to see Nigeria succeed rather than an intention to undermine the government.
Bakare described his political approach as solution-oriented, explaining that whenever he identifies shortcomings in government decisions, his priority is to recommend practical alternatives.
Speaking further, the cleric reaffirmed his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that he had no intention of abandoning the party despite his independent positions on national matters.
He criticised the practice of politicians frequently switching political parties, insisting that his convictions would not change merely because of prevailing political circumstances.
Bakare also made it clear that he remained a committed member of the APC and would exercise his voting rights when the time comes.
His remarks offer fresh insight into his relationship with President Tinubu, particularly his decision to remain outside the administration while retaining his political affiliation with the ruling party.