My ADC’s ‘plane crash’ comment was just a metaphor, not a mockery of the victims

Founder of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) and Citadel School of Government, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has clarified that his recent comments referring to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the “plane crash” were never intended to mock the victims of the 2006 ADC Airlines tragedy.

The cleric said his words were “purely metaphorical”, intended to describe the instability in some of Nigeria’s political parties, not to trivialize the national tragedy.

“I will not take part in the ADC. The last time I knew about the ADC was about a plane crash. I wish them well, because we need a strong opposition,” Bakare said earlier while addressing participants in the inaugural edition of the Benteng School of Government Dialogue Series on October 4.

Following widespread criticism that the statement was insensitive, Bakare held a press conference on Sunday to set the record straight. He explained that his words were misinterpreted and taken out of context.

“My comments in no way highlight the victims of the ADC Airline crash on October 29, 2006. I pray that everyone who is still in pain due to that incident will receive complete healing and comfort,” he said.

He likened his use of figurative language to when others cite events such as the Titanic disaster to describe the collapse of institutions, and added that his intention was to underscore the fragility of some political platforms.

“When someone takes the ‘text’ out of its ‘context,’ then he becomes a fraud,” he said, stressing that he only decided to respond “to ensure accuracy and fairness.”

The fiery preacher also pointed out that Senate President Godswill Akpabio once made a similar analogy, reportedly joking that “ADC crashed before it even took off,” but stressed that his own comments predated Akpabio and “did not have any political overtones.”

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Bakare urged Nigerians to focus on deeper messages about leadership and accountability rather than sensational metaphorical interpretations.

“Let this undue controversy surrounding the metaphor of ADC’s fall serve as a warning. Those at the helm of our country’s government, and those trying to change course, must learn from history and use power as a platform for service rather than themselves,” he said.

Reaffirming his non-partisan credentials, Bakare stated that the Citadel School of Government, which he founded in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School, is a “completely non-partisan institution” dedicated to cultivating transformative leaders.

“Citadel School of Government does not have any affiliation with any political party. This school exists to produce transformational leaders who will spearhead the emergence of a knowledge-based, service-oriented and globally competitive Nigeria,” he explained.

Bakare also reflected on his decades-long involvement in national development, stating that despite being a vice-presidential candidate and an active participant in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his loyalty was always with the country, not a political faction.

“I remain a non-partisan nation builder. I have engaged leaders across party lines, from President Goodluck Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari, in the hope that together we can build a Nigeria that benefits everyone,” Bakare said.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace political discourse with maturity and empathy, and reminded them that “metaphors should provoke reflection, not anger.”