Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has recalled the helicopter crash involving then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and members of his delegation seven years ago, describing the incident as a moment of divine preservation and uncommon courage.
In a reflective post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Akande recounted how the helicopter conveying Osinbajo and 11 others, including himself, crash-landed in Kabba, Kogi State, on February 2, 2019, during the heat of the 2019 general election campaign.
Akande said all 12 occupants survived the incident, which occurred while they were en route to a campaign engagement as part of the Buhari–Osinbajo re-election drive. He described the survival of everyone on board as a testimony of God’s protection, repeatedly expressing gratitude and praise.
According to him, he had written and posted a tweet moments after the crash, while seated in a bus arranged to convey the Vice President and his team to the next campaign stop. However, the bus was later rerouted to a hotel where members of the delegation changed clothes and briefly rested after the traumatic experience.
Akande revealed that despite the frightening incident, Osinbajo rejected suggestions that the campaign activities be suspended for the day. Instead, the then Vice President insisted on returning to the campaign trail within the hour, a decision Akande said reflected remarkable courage and determination.
“He didn’t agree to suggestions that we should abandon the work and go and rest,” Akande wrote, adding that Osinbajo’s resolve strengthened the morale of everyone on the team.
The former presidential aide also shared a personal note, disclosing that his wife had reminded him that the date marked what could have been a sombre anniversary, had events turned out differently. He said the reminder further reinforced his gratitude for the lives of the then Vice President and his delegation that were spared.
Akande concluded by giving thanks to God for preservation and called on others to join him in praise to God, describing the experience as a powerful reminder of faith, resilience and leadership under pressure.
The 2019 helicopter incident remains one of the most memorable moments of Nigeria’s election season, often cited as an example of Osinbajo’s composure and commitment during the campaign period.
