Tinubu Explains Why He Never Asked Wife to Leave Christianity

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his commitment to national unity, stressing that despite being a Muslim, he has never pressured his wife, a Christian pastor, to change her faith.

Speaking at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, Tinubu said: “I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress.”

He highlighted his family’s interfaith background, noting: “In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter, and I have never forced her to change her religion.”

The President called on clergymen to support his leadership, urging religious leaders to help manage differences for national peace.

On security, Tinubu pledged his administration’s resolve: “We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes.”

He also assured Nigerians that economic reforms were underway to strengthen and grow the economy.

Tinubu made the remarks at the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, where he praised the late matriarch as a devoted mother and humanitarian.

APC Chairman Yilwatda described his mother as resilient, while COCIN President Rev. Dr Amos Mohzo thanked Tinubu for appointing Northern Christians to key roles and urged him to continue supporting victims of insecurity.

The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, APC governors, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, ministers, SGF George Akume, and other political leaders.