Bakare: Don’t Blame Buhari Alone for Nigeria’s Economic Troubles, He Wasn’t an Economist

Pastor Tunde Bakare has urged Nigerians not to place the entire burden of the country’s economic challenges on the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, emphasizing that the former leader was not an economist and relied on advisers for economic decisions.

In a recent interview with TVC News, Pastor Bakare who previously served as Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 elections spoke candidly about his interactions with the late president.

He confirmed that they had met privately on several occasions during Buhari’s time in office, although he declined to disclose the full details of those discussions.

Bakare recalled confronting Buhari over the controversial raid on the home of Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho. He said Buhari denied authorizing or being aware of the operation beforehand.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic woes, Bakare stated:

“General Buhari was not an economist. He had people in charge of economic matters. Some of the decisions taken during his tenure are still affecting the nation today, but it’s unfair to blame one individual for all the country’s problems. Before him, Jonathan was blamed for corruption and mismanagement. It’s a cycle.”

The pastor called for a more balanced view of leadership, urging Nigerians to recognize the roles of other actors in governance rather than pinning failures on a single figure.