NAF air crash: SDP’s Adebayo campaign suspends activities in honour of victims

The presidential campaign of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and his running mate, Prof. Usman Bugaje, has suspended all national and state campaign activities for one week in honour of the victims of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The campaign said the suspension, which took effect immediately, was in respect of the 25 passengers and crew members who lost their lives in the crash on Monday, October 5, 2026.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Head of the Media and Communications Directorate of the campaign, Comrade Mark Adebayo, the suspension was also a gesture of solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The statement quoted the campaign as saying: “The Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign is deeply devastated by the heartbreaking news of the NAF aircraft accident in the coastal riverine terrain of Igbokoda.

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“These fallen heroes and civilians gave their all in service to our fatherland. In moments of such monumental national tragedy, politics must take a backseat to national mourning and deep reflection.”

The campaign said Adebayo and Bugaje had extended their condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the victims.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigerian Air Force and the families left behind,” the statement said.

It added: “We pray that the Almighty grants fortitude to the bereaved families and comfort to a grieving nation as we navigate this painful loss.”

The campaign said all scheduled rallies, town hall meetings, stakeholder engagements and media activities under its banner had been deferred until the end of the one-week mourning period.

It also called for a comprehensive insurance policy for personnel of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in view of the sacrifices they make in the service of the country.

The campaign further urged the proper and regular maintenance of military equipment to reduce the frequency of air crashes and other avoidable mishaps.