Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has refuted claims that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari was a religious bigot.
Speaking during a Channels Television interview, Bakare, who was Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential election, described the former leader as tolerant and respectful of other faiths.
He recounted personal encounters that contradicted the popular notion of Buhari being a religious extremist.
“I once believed he was a religious fundamentalist until I got closer,” Bakare stated. “After a campaign rally in Kaduna, we returned to his residence, and he suddenly exclaimed, ‘Jesus Christ of Nazareth.’ I asked why, and he replied, ‘You don’t have the monopoly of Jesus Christ; I’m thanking God.’”
Bakare also revealed that most of Buhari’s close aides were Christians, including his long-time driver and bodyguards. “His driver of ten years once asked me to pray with him.
When I said I don’t offer Islamic prayers, he replied, ‘I’m a Christian, sir.’”
Buhari passed away on Sunday at a top private hospital in London, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
His burial is scheduled for Tuesday in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.
A delegation of Nigerian government officials is currently in London to arrange the repatriation of his remains.