A group of Young Nigerian Christians has urged Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Citdael (formerly Latter Rain Assembly) to stop using the pulpits to propagate or campaign for his 2023 ambitions.

The Campus Youth Christian Fellowship (CYCF) said the leading Nigerian pastor focus on preaching the word of God on the pulpit rather than preaching politics.

CYCF President, Jonathan Emmanuel said the controversial pastor can also pursue his 2023 presidential ambition without having to unsettle the ongoing democratic process in Nigeria.

Mr Emmanuel noted that it was completely insensitive and immature of Pastor Bakare to ignore the coronavirus pandemic in his sermon on 22 March aired on Channels TV instead dwelling on politics.

“One would have expected that Pastor Bakare would be focusing on social distancing and self-isolation instead of having his church packed with people at a time that the world and Nigeria is dealing with coronavirus pandemic.

The group said as young Christians who look up to Pastor Bakare and other men of God, they expect that they will lead by example.

They said this is not a time for politics, this is a time to have all hands on deck to ensure Nigeria contains the spread of the pandemic.

“We noted how he repeatedly spoke about 2023 and how he will become the 16th President of Nigeria, if it is true that God revealed this to him then he doesn’t have to use the pulpit to advance his interest.

“It is also not in the interest of the present administration and peace of the country that he is talking aggressively about the 2023.

The group said it is worrisome that Pastor Bakare will also choose to resurrect the happenings in the Presidency when everyone has put it behind them.

“Asking the President to address rumours surrounding Vice President Osinbajo on national television is completely unnecessary. This is a matter many have put behind them, why is he unearthing it?

The group said all Nigerians must put politics aside especially leaders in both political and religious space.

“We need to face and tackle the coronavirus pandemic and other matter can be put aside until this is achieved.

The group urged Nigerians to observe the basic precautionary measures such as washing their hands with soap and water, sneezing or coughing in the arm to reduce the chance of getting infected and infecting others with the novel coronavirus and that people should observe social distancing as much as possible.

The hypocrites should tell that to oyedepo

Is that one campaign? Have they not seen politics before Pastor Bakare that cannot win CAN president? Bakare that cannot even win Lagos on election day!!!

If men of God is not involve in politics , men of the devil will be in charge of governance .

Is like this man called Pastor Tunde Bakare has totally deviate from the ministry to politics because I don't know his concern about VP osinbajo, mtchewwwww

This man is just a filthy liar. I wonder why his followers follow him.
The VP was beside the President during the EAC meeting so what is he saying now. He just want to gain relevancy but nada. The VP is busy trying to deal with this plague together with the the state Governors.

These ones are obviously sponsored by some idiots who have scores to settle against pastor Bakare. His church was not "packed full" last Sunday; he streamed the message live from his office.
And he had granted that interview about the presidency addressing the Osibanjo rumours to Punch newspapers weeks back, but they chose this week to publish it for lack of sensational topics. You cannot blame him for that.
And for these young ones to say he should "leave" politics merely shows their ignorance. The Scripture says "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked are in authority, the people mourn." Who are the righteous? The likes of Abba Kyari?

A Lil bit of restraint should be observed when on the pulpit by our pastors

Pst Bakare should not interfere in what doesn't concern him, the president and the VP and doing just fine. Who rumour epp

Very commendable response to the controversial Pastor Bakare. He is just disturbing himself