Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, visited the Nigerian Air Force headquarters in Abuja and signed a condolence book for those killed in a recent military plane crash in Ondo State, according to local media reports.
The aircraft went down in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. One report put the toll at 25 dead, five crew members and 20 passengers. The Air Force has not been quoted in the reports reviewed here on the cause of the crash.
Obi, a former Anambra State governor, was accompanied by officials of the Obidient Movement, a support group backing his candidacy. Reports said he met the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to express sympathy to the service’s officers and personnel.
In a statement describing the visit, Obi said it followed a condolence message he issued the previous day. He said the trip gave him a chance to reflect on the risks that soldiers and other security personnel take in the line of duty, adding that their sacrifice should never be taken for granted.
He offered condolences to the Air Force and to the families, colleagues and friends of the dead, and prayed for strength for the bereaved and protection for serving personnel.
The Air Force has opened a condolence register at its conference centre in the Kado district of Abuja. It is open to government officials, diplomats, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers.
Reports differ slightly on whether the visit took place on Tuesday or Wednesday. Casualty figures and other details come from media accounts and have not been independently confirmed.
