Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the Igbokoda Naval Base in Ondo State, raising concerns about the condition of military equipment and personnel welfare under the Tinubu administration.
Makinde, through his presidential campaign organisation, said the incident, which reportedly claimed at least 25 lives, had renewed concerns over the safety and welfare of military personnel, particularly in light of previous military aircraft crashes in the country.
In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communications of the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO), Richard Ihediwa, the campaign commended the military for its sacrifices before highlighting broader concerns arising from the latest crash.
“The crash of military aircraft in Nigeria under the Tinubu administration is a serious national issue that again raises questions on the subjects of equipping as well as welfare of our military and other security agencies under this administration, despite the enormous resources at its disposal,” Ihediwa said.
The campaign also recalled the August 2023 crash involving a Nigerian Air Force helicopter in Shiroro, Niger State, during a casualty evacuation operation for wounded troops.
“Indeed, given the resources available, our military ought to be among the best equipped and remunerated across the world,” the campaign organisation said.
It further pledged that the training, equipment and welfare of the military and other security agencies would receive priority under a Makinde-Daura administration.
While expressing condolences to the military and families of those who died, the campaign called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. It also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the nation and its military.
The MDPCO further urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general election to reject what it called the misrule of the Tinubu administration and vote for Makinde under the APM platform.
