Bakare to Tinubu: Stop Controlling National Assembly, End ‘God’ Complex

 Pastor Tunde Bakare, a prominent cleric and former vice-presidential candidate, on April 19, 2025, accused President Bola Tinubu of exerting undue influence over the National Assembly, warning leaders to “stop playing God” and prioritize public welfare. 

Speaking at a Lagos summit, Bakare alleged Tinubu’s administration pressures lawmakers to pass favorable bills, undermining democracy. He cited the 2025 budget’s swift approval, despite public outcry over ₦1.8 trillion in new loans, as evidence of legislative subservience, per The Guardian. Bakare called for independent oversight to curb executive overreach.

The National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, denied the claims, asserting its autonomy, with 120 bills passed in 2024, per ThisDay. Critics argue Bakare’s comments reflect growing distrust, with 60% of citizens viewing the legislature as “rubber-stamp,” per Afrobarometer. Tinubu’s allies dismissed the critique as politicking, noting Bakare’s 2011 APC ties.