From: High Chief Marcel Nwokorie.
For: OBAEGO CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION Media Directorate
Date: 8th October, 2026.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) Senatorial Candidate for Imo North Senatorial District, *Deacon Chuka Solomon Obaego*, has expressed deep shock and profound grief over the tragic crash of Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 931 in Igbokoda, Ilaje LGA of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, which was on routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, claimed the lives of 25 gallant personnel - 5 crew members and 20 passengers - including officers who paid the supreme price in service to our fatherland.
Deacon Obaego described the incident as a painful national tragedy and a monumental loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the entire nation.
In his condolence message, the Senatorial hopeful stated
"On behalf of my family and the entire people of Imo North (Okigwe Zone), I condole with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and most importantly the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. Among the victims was Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje who just got married 16 days ago. This is heartbreaking. May God grant their souls eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."
"These officers died while securing our nation. Their sacrifice reminds us that *only good governance can ensure the security of lives of the nation and Imo North in particular.* We cannot continue to lose our best hands due to poor funding, obsolete equipment, and lack of maintenance culture. When we get it right in governance, we will get it right in security, welfare and the protection of our troops."
Deacon Obaego further called on the Federal Government to order a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the crash, as directed by the President, to prevent future occurrences, noting that Nigeria has recorded over 10 military air crashes in the last 5 years.
*HE LINKS TRAGEDY TO HIS 7-POINT CAMPAIGN MANIFESTO FOR IMO NORTH*
The APP Candidate said his aspiration to represent Imo North is anchored on correcting governance failures that lead to such avoidable tragedies. He listed his campaign manifesto as a direct response:
*OBAEGO'S 7-POINT AGENDA FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN IMO NORTH:*
*1. Security and Military Welfare Reform:* He will sponsor a bill for improved military aviation safety audit, enhanced life insurance, modern equipment procurement and adequate welfare for families of fallen heroes.
*2. Youth Employment and Skills Development:* Establishment of Okigwe Zonal Skills Acquisition Hub to take youths out of crime and prepare them for productive service.
*3. Quality Healthcare for All:* Upgrading of General Hospitals in Okigwe, Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, Ihitte Uboma, Obowo and Onuimo with emergency response systems.
*4. Education and Scholarship Scheme:* Obaego Education Trust Fund for children of fallen service men and indigent students of Imo North.
*5. Agriculture and Food Security:* Mechanized farming clusters to ensure food security in Okigwe Zone - because a hungry nation is an insecure nation.
*6. Infrastructure and Road Rehabilitation:* Urgent attention to Okigwe - Owerri, Okigwe - Anara - Nwangele roads to ease movement of goods, services and security operatives.
*7. Transparent and Accountable Representation:* Quarterly Town-Hall meetings, open constituency accounting, and never abandoning the people who elected him.
Deacon Obaego concluded by joining President Tinubu in the 3-days national mourning declared, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the 25 victims whose names were released by NAF, including Sqn Ldr MI Aburime, Sqn Ldr AP Man-Ugwueje, Flt Lt IS Bako, WO Abubakar A, Cpl Uguru HC and 20 others.
He urged Imo North people to remain united in prayers for the Armed Forces.
*Signed:*
*High Chief Marcel Nwokorie*
_Director, Media & Publicity_
_Obaego Campaign Organisation - For Good Governance in Imo North_
_APP - Action Peoples Party