04/06/2025
Peter Obi, Others Escape Plane Crash Scare
“We thank God we survived. No one would have believed it was an accident if the plane had crashed with Peter Obi inside.”
The former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, was among over 100 passengers who experienced a mid-air scare during a flight that nearly ended in disaster at the local wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday.
According to aviation sources, Obi was flying in the economy class cabin of an Air Peace flight (P47123), which departed Abuja for Lagos. The flight, originally scheduled to take off at 12:35 p.m., eventually departed at 12:59 p.m.
Although the plane was expected to land at 1:55 p.m., it eventually touched down at 2:25 p.m., nearly 30 minutes behind schedule. Reliable sources reported that during the descent, the pilot appeared to lose control, causing the aircraft to hover in the air for an extended period, sparking fear and panic among passengers.
“It was a terrifying experience,” a passenger who requested anonymity told Irohinoodua. “The plane made several attempts to land but had to pull back each time. People were praying, crying, and calling on God. At one point, it felt like we might crash into the rooftops below.”
The source added that the incident highlights the fragile state of aviation safety in Nigeria and the broader implications for national security. “This kind of scare could destabilize the country, especially with someone like Peter Obi on board. Our leaders must do more to improve infrastructure and safety.”
Another passenger, a mother of two, shared her emotional turmoil during the ordeal: “It felt like the plane was caught between ascending and descending into chaos. I was ready to give up. But Peter Obi remained calm throughout. He reassured passengers around him that everything would be fine.”
“He was calm and resolute, urging everyone to trust in God. If that plane had gone down, many would have thought it was not an accident,” she added.
Also aboard the flight was Dr. Benson Onuwaje, a businessman seated in first class, who reportedly stood up and led passengers in prayer. “He was courageous. He called on the name of God and assured everyone we would land safely. Thankfully, we did,” said another passenger, Mathew Adekunle.
Peter Obi, who recently donated ₦20 million to flood victims in Niger State, had been visiting communities in Northern Nigeria before returning to Abuja for a political meeting. He flew from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday afternoon for another engagement.
“We thank God for His protection. It could have ended tragically, but we all landed safely—including Peter Obi,” a relieved passenger concluded.