Nigeria’s religious narrative was jolted by Pastor Tunde Bakare’s recent revelation that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari was far from being a religious bigot.
Past accusations painted Buhari as a strict Islamic fundamentalist.
However, Bakare who once ran alongside Buhari as his 2011 vice-presidential candidate shared firsthand details that challenge that assumption.
Bakare told Channels Television, “I thought he was a religious fundamentalist until I came close.”
He recounted a moment that stood out. He said, “After the flag‑off of our campaign in Kaduna…the next word he spoke, God is my witness, was ‘Jesus Christ of Nazareth’.”
According to him, Buhari added, “You do not have the monopoly of Jesus Christ, I’m thanking God.”
Furthermore, Bakare highlighted that most of Buhari’s domestic staff followed Christianity.
In his words, “his bodyguards were all Christians. Not only that, his driver of 10 years asked me to pray with him…he said, ‘I’m a Christian, sir.’”
Despite previous branding as a strict Islamic leader, the former head of state demonstrated inclusive faith practices.
In addition, Pastor Bakare’s testimony suggests a leader whose personal behaviour challenged public perception.
Importantly, Bakare’s firsthand account raises questions about enduring assumptions that Buhari only practiced one religion.
Furthermore, the news arrives shortly after Buhari’s tragic death.
He passed away in London’s top private clinic on Sunday, with his burial set for Tuesday in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are asked to reconcile his faith journey with their established beliefs.
Moreover, Bakare’s revelations suggest the importance of examining private lives to understand public personas.
Therefore, this account by the Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, is more than a clarification it’s a call to rethink assumptions about former President Buhari’s religious identity.
