Pastor Tunde Bakare, leader of the Global Community Citadel Church, has revealed that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, played a central role in the historic merger that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC) and led to the election of Muhammadu Buhari as president in 2015.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address on Sunday, themed “A Major Shift in the National Focus,” Bakare described the passing of both Buhari and Oba Adetona on the same day as deeply symbolic, suggesting a significant turning point for the country.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for granting Buhari a state burial and paid tribute to the Awujale, whom he praised as a non-partisan yet influential figure who facilitated political unity behind the scenes.
According to Bakare, Oba Adetona was instrumental in bringing together key political figures who later formed the APC. He recalled personally urging the monarch to engage Tinubu in leading the merger, a suggestion the monarch acted on.
“Kabiyesi convened a crucial meeting at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos and brokered the understanding that eventually formed the APC,” Bakare revealed. “Without his strategic involvement, the merger would likely not have happened.”
Though Oba Adetona remained politically neutral throughout his life, Bakare said the monarch consistently supported efforts that promoted national interest, peace, and good governance.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Bakare recalled his experience as Buhari’s running mate in 2011 under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He described Buhari as one of the most tolerant and fair-minded leaders he had ever worked with — a man who actively encouraged the participation of Christian leaders in governance.
“Twice, President Buhari opened the door for Christian pastors to engage in politics. Despite being wrongly labelled a religious fundamentalist, he was inclusive and accommodating,” Bakare said.
He emphasized that Buhari’s and the Awujale’s legacies serve as a reminder of the need for a balanced and inclusive political system. “The giant of Africa cannot stand on one leg. Nigeria must not become a one-party state,” he warned.
Bakare also credited Buhari with laying a legislative foundation for political inclusion, citing the signing of the Electoral Act, the Not Too Young To Run Act, and the Disability Act as major achievements.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to reject political divisiveness and build on the inclusive, bridge-building examples set by the two late leaders.
“Their lives teach us that unity, tolerance, and strong opposition are essential to democracy and national progress,” he said.
