Founder of the Citadel School of Government and Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, has clarified that his recent remarks linking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to an airline crash were purely metaphorical and not intended to mock the victims of the October 29, 2006 ADC Airlines tragedy.
Bakare, who had said he was under pressure to join the coalition-backed opposition party but declined, previously remarked:
“I am not going to take part in ADC. The last time I knew about ADC was about a plane that crashed. I wish them well because we need a robust opposition.”
The comment sparked criticism, with many interpreting it as insensitive. Addressing the backlash during a news conference on Sunday, Bakare explained that his statement, made at the inaugural Citadel School of Government Dialogue Series on October 4, was taken out of context.
“My reference to ADC was purely metaphorical, describing the instability within some political parties — not the tragic 2006 crash or its victims,” he said. “My comments did not in any way spotlight the victims of that incident. I pray that those still hurting from that tragedy find complete healing and comfort.”
The cleric compared his use of metaphor to how people reference the Titanic to describe failure, stressing that misunderstanding his words had fueled needless controversy.
“When one takes the ‘text’ out of ‘context,’ one becomes a con,” Bakare noted, adding that he only chose to respond for the sake of accuracy and fairness.
He also cited Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s earlier remark that “the ADC crashed even before it took off,” clarifying that his own comment predated Akpabio’s and carried no political undertone.
Bakare urged Nigerians to focus on the deeper lessons of leadership and service rather than controversy.
“Those in the cockpit of our nation’s governance must learn from history and use power as a platform for service, not self,” he said.
Reaffirming his non-partisan stance, Bakare emphasized that the Citadel School of Government — founded in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School — is a neutral institution dedicated to raising transformational leaders.
“Citadel School of Government has no link to any political party. Our mission is to build a knowledge-driven, service-oriented, and globally competitive Nigeria,” he stated.
Reflecting on his political journey, including his time as Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in 2011 and his role in forming the APC, Bakare reiterated that his loyalty remains with nation-building, not politics.
“I have engaged leaders across party lines, from President Goodluck Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari, all in pursuit of a Nigeria that works for everyone,” he said.
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