By Ava James, Investigative Journalist
Pastor Tunde Bakare’s recent statement, suggesting that despite alleged flaws like “cocaine, forged certificate, no father, no mother,” God ordained Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s president, has sparked widespread debate.
While Bakare, a prominent cleric and self-styled man of God, may have intended to underscore divine sovereignty, his remarks risk endorsing a dangerous narrative: that illicit means to power can be divinely sanctioned.
This assertion is not only theologically flawed but also undermines the moral integrity expected of spiritual leaders.
Bakare’s claim hinges on the idea that God can elevate anyone to leadership, regardless of their past or methods.
However, equating divine will with the outcome of a contested political process trivializes the principles of justice and accountability.
If, as Bakare implies, allegations of criminality or fraud are irrelevant because “God made Tinubu president,” does this not suggest that God endorses illegality? By this logic, a murderer or tyrant who seizes power through bloodshed could claim divine backing.
Such reasoning echoes the flawed maxim that “the end justifies the means,” a philosophy incompatible with the ethical standards of any faith, including Christianity, which Bakare professes.
The Bible, often cited by Bakare, emphasizes righteousness and justice. Psalm 89:14 declares, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.” God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility or accountability for actions.
While divine plans may unfold through imperfect vessels, this does not mean God approves of or orchestrates immoral paths to power.
To suggest otherwise risks portraying God as complicit in wrongdoing, a notion that erodes the moral authority of religious leaders and confuses their followers.
As a man of God, Bakare’s role is to uphold truth, not to propagate narratives that blur the line between right and wrong.
His statement, whether rhetorical or literal, fails to address the allegations against Tinubu with the sobriety they demand. Instead, it dismisses serious claims—such as certificate forgery, which remains a legal and public concern—as inconsequential in the face of divine will.
This stance not only undermines ongoing investigations but also alienates citizens who seek transparency and justice in governance.
Spiritual leaders wield immense influence in Nigeria, where faith shapes public discourse. Bakare’s words, therefore, carry weight beyond the pulpit.
By framing Tinubu’s presidency as divinely ordained despite alleged improprieties, he risks normalizing corruption and impunity in a nation already grappling with systemic decay.
A true man of God should challenge leaders to uphold integrity, not provide theological cover for their flaws.
Bakare’s assertion also raises questions about the role of clerics in politics. His past criticism of Tinubu’s administration, juxtaposed with this recent endorsement, suggests a selective application of divine logic.
Such inconsistencies erode trust in religious institutions, which should remain impartial arbiters of truth rather than cheerleaders for political figures.
In conclusion, Tunde Bakare’s claim that God made Tinubu president despite alleged moral and legal failings is a reckless oversimplification of divine will.
It promotes a dangerous narrative that undermines justice, accountability, and the ethical standards expected of a man of God. Spiritual leaders must speak with clarity and courage, affirming that God does not support illegalities or crude paths to power.
Nigeria deserves voices that inspire righteousness, not ones that blur the lines between divine purpose and human ambition.
