NAF aircraft crash: SDP Presidential campaign suspends activities for one week

The Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended all campaign activities for one week in honour of the victims of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The campaign announced the suspension in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Communications Directorate, Comrade Mark Adebayo.

The decision followed Monday’s crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the coastal riverine area of Igbokoda.

The crash reportedly claimed the lives of 25 people, prompting condolences from individuals and organisations across the country.

The SDP presidential campaign said the suspension was intended to honour those who lost their lives in the tragedy and allow the campaign team to mourn with the affected families.

The campaign expressed sympathy with the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims while commiserating with the Nigerian Air Force and the nation over the incident.

Campaign activities are expected to resume after the one-week period.

Adebayo said the decision was a mark of respect for the victims and an expression of solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The statement said the campaign was “deeply devastated” by the crash, adding that the victims had made sacrifices in service to the country.

“In moments of such monumental national tragedy, politics must take a backseat to national mourning and deep reflection,” the campaign said.

According to Adebayo, the SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and his running mate, Prof. Usman Bugaje, had condoled with the Chief of the Air Staff, the leadership of the NAF and the families of the victims.

The statement quoted the duo as saying: “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigerian Air Force and the families left behind. We pray that the Almighty grants fortitude to the bereaved families and comfort to a grieving nation as we navigate this painful loss.”

Adebayo said all scheduled rallies, town hall meetings, stakeholder engagements and media appearances had been suspended until the mourning period ended.

The campaign also called for a comprehensive insurance policy for personnel of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, citing the sacrifices made by security personnel in the service of the country.

It further urged regular and proper maintenance of military aircraft and other equipment to reduce air crashes and other avoidable accidents.

“The sacrifices of our gallant officers must be matched with concrete welfare and safety measures,” the campaign said.

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