The Nigerian Senate has issued a strong response to recent criticisms by Pastor Tunde Bakare, accusing the outspoken cleric of using “political frustrations” to unfairly attack the 10th National Assembly.
In a statement on Tuesday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described Bakare’s comments as “sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary” that risk undermining public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
“While Pastor Bakare has historically contributed to national discourse in ways that provoke thought and debate, his latest remarks veer away from constructive criticism into rhetoric laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims,” Adaramodu said.
The Senate’s reaction follows Bakare’s recent accusations that the legislature has failed to hold the Executive accountable, contrasting the current Assembly’s performance with those of previous sessions. The cleric and former presidential aspirant also claimed the 10th Senate was too submissive to the presidency.
Senator Adaramodu, however, pushed back, suggesting that Bakare’s political background — as a former vice-presidential candidate and recent contender for the presidency — may influence the tone of his commentary.
“We see his corrosive criticism as a politically motivated homily,” Adaramodu remarked. “His evolving rhetoric — now praising past assemblies he once condemned — lacks consistency.”
The Senate further defended its record, pointing to examples where it had constructively disagreed with the Executive, including matters related to the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which Bakare had referenced.
Addressing Bakare’s legal training, Adaramodu reminded him of the constitutional limitations that guide public discourse, especially on issues currently under judicial review. “The National Assembly will not respond to matters before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he stated.
The Senate also dismissed any comparison between the 10th Assembly and the era of the Third Term agenda, stressing that no unconstitutional proposals had been brought forward under the current government.
“To cast aspersions on the entire institution based on personal frustration or future political positioning is unfair and unhelpful to our democratic evolution,” Adaramodu said.
Calling for a more measured national conversation, the Senate urged public figures, especially those with influence in religious and civic spaces, to “temper criticism with facts and a sense of national responsibility.”
“Our democracy may not be perfect, but it must be nurtured through thoughtful contributions, not resentment,” Adaramodu concluded.
