Buhari Once Told Me He Would Love That I Succeed Him- Bakare
“Even the number 16 I talked about, it was later discovered by the former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha that Buhari was even the number 16 according to the government gazzette”
Bakare, who spoke on Channels Television programmes Politics Today, monitored in Lagos on Monday, said he had no PACT to succeed Buhari, adding that for the fact that his predictions of being number 16 didn’t come to pass doesn’t mean he’s a false prophet.
Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare,has opened up on his relationship with the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday 13 July 2025 in London Clinic.
The fiery cleric who drew comparison with the word of God directing Jonah to Nineveh, said though Jonah initially wanted to run away but was swallowed by Skark for three days and when he eventually delivered the message, God didn’t destroy Nineveh as earlier announced.
According to him, ” even the number 16 I talked about, it was later discovered by the former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha that Buhari was even the number 16 according to the government gazzette.
“Secondly, the fact that the predictions did not come to pass does not indicate its false prophecy. God told Jonah to proceed to Nineveh that they would be wiped out in seven days, but God later changed His mind after they repented,” he added.
Continuing, he said, ” Though I have no pact to succeed Gen Buhari, he once said to me that he would love that I succeed him.
“Before the national convention of the All Progressives Congress, he gathered all the presidential aspirants and told us that he would love to pick the person who would succeed him amongst us. He said all the outgoing governors named their successors, and one term governors were given another term to complete their two term.
“It was former Jigawa Governor, Atiku Bagudu, who spoke first. He agreed with Buhari. Also, former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu spoke and concurred with Buhari. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was the last to speak, and he agreed with the two speakers that spoke first.
” But immediately we left the place, the shenanigans began, and Buhari said we should all go for the convention. “
The 71 years old cleric, when asked if he still nurses an ambition to govern Nigeria, he answered in the affirmative, adding that what he had is a vision, not an ambition.
Drawing his inspiration from the Holy Book ( Bible) Bakare said Absalom wanted to overthrow King David his father but was killed and Adonijah who had all the chariots and support was not made King , adding that Solomon rode through the support of King David his father to become king despite having no support from the people.
It would be recalled that Pastor Bakare who was the Vice presidential candidate to late Buhari had made that famous broadcast before the second term of President Buhari in 2018 that Buhari was number 15 and he ( Bakare) would be number 16, adding that nothing would change it.
