Pastor Tunde Bakare: Nigeria Was Designed to Fail, Not Broken
Nigerian cleric and former presidential aspirant, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has delivered a stinging critique of Nigeria’s political structure, declaring that the country is not broken but intentionally designed to fail its people.
Speaking during a sermon titled “A Disgrace to Grace” at The Citadel Global Community Church in Lagos on Sunday, Bakare called for nothing short of a complete overhaul of the system, driven by what he described as a “revolution of values.”
Corrupt System Built on Tribalism and Injustice
Bakare stated that Nigeria’s crisis is not due to accidental failure but the result of a deliberately corrupt system propped up by tribalism, injustice, and impunity.
“The system is not broken. It was designed to fail the people. And no amount of cosmetic reform will fix it. What Nigeria needs is a complete overhaul, a value revolution,” he declared.
He decried a political culture that rewards criminality with public office, while voices of conscience and integrity are silenced or ignored.
The Soul of Nigeria Is at Stake
The outspoken cleric warned that Nigeria is “bleeding” under leaders who have lost touch with justice and righteousness.
“This country is bleeding. It is governed by men who do not know justice, who are far from righteousness. A nation that celebrates looters and punishes truth-tellers cannot survive,” Bakare said.
He emphasised that the nation’s survival depends on a radical shift in leadership values, not just legal or constitutional amendments.
Revolution of Conscience, Not Violence
While distancing his call from any form of violent uprising, Bakare urged a “revolution of conscience”—a moral and value-based transformation led by visionary, competent, and just leaders.
“Only a new breed of righteous and competent leaders can redirect the trajectory of this nation,” he stated.
The Church Has Lost Its Prophetic Voice
Bakare also turned his criticism inward, accusing religious leaders of compromising their spiritual integrity for political access.
“How can we claim to represent Christ and yet remain silent in the face of wickedness?” he asked. “The Church must lead the value revolution.”
He maintained that a moral rebirth anchored in justice and equity is essential for any meaningful reform.
Call for a New Nigeria
Concluding his fiery sermon, Bakare said:
“The hour has come. The old order must give way to the new. We cannot build a great nation on a foundation of lies, greed and oppression. The soul of Nigeria is at stake.”
