Pastor Tunde Bakare Denies Mocking ADC Plane Crash Victims, Says Remark Was Metaphorical

Founder of the Citadel School of Government and Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, has clarified that his recent remarks referencing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a plane crash were not intended to mock victims of the October 29, 2006 ADC Airlines tragedy.

Bakare made the clarification while addressing a news conference on Sunday, following public backlash over his statement during the inaugural Citadel School of Government Dialogue Series on October 4, where he remarked:

“I am not going to take part in ADC. The last time I knew about ADC was about a plane that crashed. I wish them well, because we need a robust opposition.”

The cleric said his comment was “purely metaphorical,” stressing that it was meant to highlight instability within some political parties rather than reference the airline disaster or its victims.

“My comments did not in any way bring into the spotlight the victims of the October 29, 2006 ADC Airline crash. I pray that all those with lingering pain from that event will find complete healing and comfort,” Bakare explained.

He noted that his statement had been taken out of context, adding that people often use historical analogies, such as the Titanic tragedy, to illustrate systemic failures without intending disrespect.

“When one takes the ‘text’ out of ‘context,’ one becomes a con,” he said, emphasizing that his clarification was only to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Bakare also referred to a remark by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who had once joked that “the ADC crashed even before it took off,” stressing that his own statement predated that comment and carried no political undertone.

The 2006 ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest air disasters, claiming 98 lives, including that of the then Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.

Using the controversy as a teachable moment, Bakare urged Nigerians to focus on leadership accountability and responsible governance.

“Let this undue controversy surrounding the ADC crash metaphor serve as a warning. Those in the cockpit of our nation’s governance, and those trying to change course midair, must learn from history and use power as a platform for service rather than self,” he said.

Reaffirming his non-partisan stance, Bakare emphasized that the Citadel School of Government, established in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School, is a non-political institution dedicated to developing transformative leaders.

“Citadel School of Government has no affiliation whatsoever with any political party. It exists to raise transformational leaders who will spearhead the emergence of a knowledge-driven, service-oriented, and globally competitive Nigeria,” he noted.

Bakare also reflected on his long involvement in national discourse, saying his commitment to nation-building transcends party politics.

“I have remained a non-partisan nation builder at heart. 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 works for all,” he said.

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