Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has recalled how former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo insisted on continuing his campaign activities after surviving a helicopter crash in 2019.
He described the moment as one of courage, faith, and divine protection.
Akande shared the reflection in a post on X on Tuesday, seven years after the helicopter conveying Osinbajo and members of his delegation crash-landed in Kabba, Kogi State, on February 2, 2019, during the heat of the general election campaign.
According to Akande, the helicopter was carrying Osinbajo and 11 others for a campaign engagement under the Buhari–Osinbajo re-election drive when the incident occurred.
He said all 12 occupants survived the crash.
He described their survival as an act of God, repeatedly expressing gratitude for what he called divine preservation.
Akande revealed that shortly after the crash, arrangements were made for a bus to convey the Vice President and his team to the next campaign stop.
While seated in the bus, he said he had already written and shared a post about the incident.
However, the journey was later redirected to a hotel where members of the delegation changed clothes and took time to recover from the shock.
Despite the frightening experience, Akande said Osinbajo rejected suggestions that the campaign should be suspended for the day.
“He didn’t agree to suggestions that we should abandon the work and go and rest,” Akande wrote.
He explained that Osinbajo insisted on returning to the campaign trail within the hour, a decision that lifted the morale of everyone around him and showed uncommon determination.
Akande also shared a personal reflection, noting that his wife reminded him that the date marked what could have been a tragic anniversary if events had turned out differently.
The reminder, he said, deepened his sense of gratitude.
He concluded by thanking God for sparing their lives and urged others to join him in giving praise.
According to him, the experience is a reminder of faith, resilience, and leadership under pressure.
The 2019 helicopter crash remains one of the most talked-about moments of Nigeria’s election season, often cited as an example of Osinbajo’s calmness and commitment in the face of danger.
Osinbajo showed leadership, resilience during helicopter crash – Akande
Osinbajo showed leadership, resilience during helicopter crash – Akande
