The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the military aircraft crash near the Igbokoda Naval Base in Ondo State.
The organization made the call on Tuesday while commiserating with the families of the victims and the Nigerian military.
Makinde, who is the governor of Oyo State, is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the January 16, 2027 election, while his running mate is Mr Lawal Daura, a retired director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The MDPCO described the incident as another tragedy that raised concerns about the welfare, equipment, and safety of the nation’s armed forces.
However, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in its account on Tuesday, said 25 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.
The organisation’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mr Richard Ihediwa, expressed concern over what he described as recurring military aircraft crashes under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ihediwa described the latest incident as a “serious national issue” requiring urgent attention, particularly in view of the resources available to the Federal Government.
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MDPCO stated, “This crash, which claimed the lives of our gallant military personnel and some civilians, comes as yet another depressing commentary on the spate of calamities that continue to befall our nation, particularly the military.
“It again raises serious questions about the equipping and welfare of our military and other security agencies. Given the resources available, our military ought to be among the best equipped and remunerated across the world.”
The campaign organization recalled that a Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashed in Shiroro, Niger State, in August 2023 during a casualty evacuation mission involving wounded troops.
It said the recurrence of military aircraft crashes under the Tinubu administration raised questions about the adequacy of equipment and welfare provisions for members of the armed forces and other security agencies.
The MDPCO, however, commended military personnel and other security operatives for what it described as their patriotism, professionalism and gallantry in protecting the country despite the challenges confronting them.
The organisation said that, if elected, a Makinde-Daura administration would make the equipping, training, and welfare of the military and other security agencies a priority.
It added, “We stand with the military and the families of the victims of the ATR-42 military aircraft crash at this moment of grief.
“We demand a wide-ranging investigation into the cause of this tragic incident. Nigerians deserve to know what led to the loss of these lives and what measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.”
The campaign organisation urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and the military while calling on citizens to use their votes to support what it described as a change of government in 2027.
It also urged Nigerians to support the APM presidential candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and his running mate, Alhaji Lawal Daura, to “RESET Nigeria” into a nation that works for the good of all.
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