October 11, 2025-Published by Cyril

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has faced backlash after making a controversial joke allegedly referencing the 2006 ADC Airlines plane crash that claimed 96 lives, including the then Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Maccido.

The tragic incident occurred on October 29, 2006, when ADC Airlines Flight 053 crashed shortly after takeoff from Abuja. The Sultan and other victims were en route to attend a Federal Government–organised education summit.

In a swift reaction, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned Akpabio’s remarks, expressing outrage over what it described as “an insensitive mockery of a national tragedy.”

During plenary, while mocking opposition parties, Akpabio said:

• “I am in total sympathy with what’s going on. The PDP is on the ground, their umbrella is turned. The Labour Party is scattered… ADC airline, ADC crashed, sorry ADC crashed even before it took off,” he quipped, laughing.

Reacting to X, ADC spokesman Bola Abdullahi criticised Akpabio for trivialising a painful event that claimed prominent Nigerian lives.

HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!

• “On October 29, 2006, ADC Airlines Flight 053 crashed in Abuja, killing 96 people, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Maccido, who had come to attend an education summit. Now, it is this same national tragedy that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has turned into a joke and material for mockery. Who are these people?” Abdullahi wrote.

The 2006 ADC crash remains one of Nigeria’s worst aviation disasters, and Akpabio’s comments have reignited painful memories for the families of victims.

NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, bringing you the latest Nigerian news on politics, economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates. Including sports across Nigeria and beyond…

Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!