Speaking during a news conference in Lagos on Sunday, Bakare explained that his reference to the ADC plane crash was purely metaphorical and meant to illustrate a political point, not to ridicule the political party or those who lost their lives in the incident.
He recalled that during his earlier statement on October 4, he had been approached by some ADC members who urged him to join their party. Responding to the invitation, Bakare said, “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 cleric expressed disappointment that some public commentators had misrepresented his statement, describing it as insensitive. “To those commentators who have criticised my comment as insensitive for something that was nothing more than a metaphor, I ask whether they have ever used the Titanic as a metaphor to warn of pending danger,” he said.
Bakare also noted that some political figures had used his remark for partisan gain, citing Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s allusion to a “crash” while addressing the ADC’s Minority Leader, Abba Moro, on the Senate floor.
Clarifying further, Bakare said, “Let this undue controversy surrounding the ADC crash metaphor serve as a warning. Let every person saddled with responsibility in governance learn from history and recognise the transience of power.”
He urged political leaders to prioritise service over self-interest, stressing the importance of learning from history.
Bakare also addressed speculations linking the Citadel School of Government to political activities, stating that the institution remains non-partisan. “Citadel School of Government has no affiliation with any political party and is completely non-partisan,” he declared.
Reaffirming his constitutional right to freedom of association, Bakare said, “Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees my right to freedom of association, including the right to join a political party. I am committed to the emergence of a New Nigeria that works for every citizen.”
