Bakare clarifies comment linking ADC to plane crash, says remarks were misunderstood

Founder of the Citadel School of Government and Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Tunde Bakare, has clarified that his recent comment linking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to a plane crash was not meant to mock victims of the tragic 2006 ADC Airline crash, but rather to illustrate a political metaphor that was taken out of context.

Speaking during a Sunday service at the Citadel Global Community Church in Lagos, Bakare said he was deeply pained by the misinterpretation of his statement, noting that it was never his intention to make light of a national tragedy that claimed the lives of many Nigerians. He explained that his words were a figurative expression about political choices and not a direct reference to the aviation accident.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that I did not mock the victims or their families,” Bakare said. “My heart goes out to everyone who lost loved ones in that unfortunate crash. My statement was an allegory to describe political instability and poor decision-making, not a comment about a real-life tragedy. Anyone who truly knows me or follows my ministry will know I could never joke about human suffering.”

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The controversy began after Bakare, while addressing a recent political discussion, used the phrase “the ADC flight that crashed” in reference to the African Democratic Congress, a political party that has been part of ongoing coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections. His metaphor was interpreted by some as a cruel reminder of the October 29, 2006, ADC Airline crash, which killed over 90 people, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, his son, and several top government officials.

Following public outrage, several individuals and organisations, including families of the crash victims and civil society groups, criticised Bakare for what they considered an insensitive comment. Some demanded an apology, accusing him of disrespecting the memory of the dead. But the cleric insists the reaction was based on mischief and selective interpretation.

“It is unfortunate that some people, especially those with political motives, chose to twist my words for cheap publicity,” Bakare said. “When you listen to the full context of my speech, you’ll realise I was talking about political discernment urging Nigerians not to board a political ‘flight’ destined for a crash. It was a call for wisdom, not mockery.”

He also used the opportunity to caution the media against sensational reporting, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy over attention-grabbing headlines. According to him, the role of the press in shaping public opinion is too important to be undermined by distortions.

“We are living in a time when words are easily twisted for clicks and engagement,” he said. “Responsible journalism requires that context is preserved, not manipulated. When leaders speak, it is fair to report them fully, not selectively. Truth suffers when communication is taken out of context.”

Bakare, who has been a key figure in Nigeria’s civic and political space for over two decades, has recently returned to public attention after revealing that he was under pressure from political stakeholders to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He, however, ruled out any such move, saying he would not join a political party unless divinely led to do so.

“I am not joining any political party just for the sake of it,” Bakare said. “I only go where God sends me. Leadership is not about ambition; it’s about purpose and direction. Until I am convinced that God wants me to board that ‘flight,’ I will stay where I am.”

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Bakare’s clarification comes amid heightened political tension as various opposition coalitions are in talks to form alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. His earlier remarks had sparked speculation that he was subtly attacking the ADC or dismissing its coalition efforts. But the cleric insists his message was about political caution, not partisan rivalry.

Observers say the controversy reflects how politically charged Nigeria’s public conversations have become, especially as 2027 draws closer. Bakare’s name often resurfaces in national debates because of his history of mixing faith, governance, and reform advocacy. A vocal critic of corruption and poor leadership, he has frequently called for a moral awakening in Nigeria’s politics and economy.

The fiery preacher, who once served as a running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2011 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), has continued to position himself as a voice for ethical leadership. Through his Citadel School of Government and Leadership, he has sought to train young Nigerians to take up responsible roles in both public and private sectors.

On Sunday, Bakare reiterated that his focus remains on nation-building and leadership development, not political grandstanding. He said Nigeria needs a new generation of disciplined, visionary leaders who can rise above greed and ethnic politics to build a truly united country.

“My mission is clear to raise leaders who will serve selflessly and place the interest of the nation above personal gain,” he said. “We cannot continue recycling failure and expecting progress. The transformation of Nigeria requires a new mindset and a renewed moral compass.”

Reflecting on the backlash that followed his comment, Bakare said he had learned once again how fragile public trust can be and how easily words can be weaponised in Nigeria’s polarised political environment. Still, he insisted he would not be silenced or deterred from speaking truth to power.

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“I will continue to speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. That’s my calling,” he said. “But I will also continue to speak with compassion and empathy, because words matter. My conscience is clear on this issue. I never mocked the victims, and I never will.”

The 2006 ADC Airline crash remains one of Nigeria’s darkest moments in aviation history. The Boeing 737 aircraft, which departed Abuja for Sokoto, crashed minutes after takeoff in stormy weather, killing nearly all passengers on board. Eighteen years later, the tragedy still evokes deep emotion among Nigerians.

By offering this clarification, Bakare appears keen to douse tension and refocus the conversation on leadership and national renewal issues he has championed for years.

“Let’s learn to separate metaphor from malice,” he said. “Nigeria has enough real problems to solve our energy should be focused on building, not tearing one another down.”