Nigerian Lawmaker Slammed for Mocking 2006 ADC Plane Crash to Attack Opposition Coalition
A Nigerian federal lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, has come under intense criticism for a Facebook post in which he likened the recently formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the 2006 ADC plane crash that claimed 96 lives Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives, wrote on Thursday: “How many of you remembered the ADC flight 53 that crashed in 2006? It’s back again to crash again. Please don’t board!” The post, referencing the ADC Airline Flight 053—a tragic crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Abuja Airport and killed nearly all on board—was intended to criticize the ADC’s role in the opposition’s plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027. However, the analogy has been widely condemned as insensitive and disrespectful to the memory of the victims and their grieving families. “I remember my uncle was on that plane. Till date, we cannot get over the loss. If this is a joke, please stop it,” said Facebook user Eno Ekanem.“Are you mocking the dead?” asked Ofonime Honesty, another user.“It’s insensitive to use events where people lost their lives to draw this narrative,” said Abasiama Udousoro. The post, which has drawn over 230 comments, has sparked particular outrage among residents of Akwa Ibom State, where some of the crash victims hailed from. Despite repeated calls and a text message from reporters seeking clarification, Mr. Jimbo has not responded to the backlash or offered an apology at the time of this report. The 2006 ADC Flight 053 disaster remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest aviation tragedies and a source of deep national sorrow. Using it as political metaphor, critics argue, not only dishonours the victims but also reflects poor judgment by a public official.