BREAKING: Peter Obi, Over 100 Passengers Escape Plane Crash at Lagos Airport
In what could have easily turned into a national tragedy, former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and over 100 other passengers narrowly escaped a plane crash on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred aboard an Air Peace flight en route from Abuja to Lagos, sent shockwaves across Nigeria, highlighting both the frailty of the country’s aviation infrastructure and the potential national crisis that might have followed had the disaster not been averted.
Obi, who was flying Economy Class on Air Peace Flight P47123, had boarded the aircraft along with several professionals, families, and business executives. According to reliable aviation sources who spoke to Irohinoodua, the flight was scheduled to depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 12:35 p.m. but did not take off until 12:59 p.m.
Passengers were initially unconcerned by the delay, which has become a norm in Nigeria’s domestic airspace. However, what followed during landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos would later be described by many on board as “a dance with death.”
The flight, originally set to land at 1:55 p.m., did not touch ground until approximately 2:25 p.m., leaving the aircraft hovering over the Lagos skyline for nearly 30 harrowing minutes. According to passengers interviewed, the pilot appeared to have lost control intermittently, leading to multiple failed landing attempts.
“It was a nasty experience,” said one female passenger, a mother of two, who declined to be named. “The plane made several landing attempts and retreated each time. It was hovering dangerously. People were praying, screaming, and some even speaking in tongues.”
She added, “Peter Obi was in the plane. He was calm, telling those around him that all would be well. But let me be honest: many of us had lost hope. I closed my eyes and began to say my final prayers.”
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Another eyewitness described how the plane came close to what seemed like a collision path with densely populated residential areas.
“There was a point we thought the plane would crash on rooftops,” said a businessman who was also on board. “I have never seen anything like that. The confusion, the fear… it’s something I will never forget.”
Despite the chaos inside the cabin, several passengers credited Obi for maintaining calm and encouraging passengers to stay composed. One passenger described him as “resolute and prayerful.”
“He wasn’t shouting. He was just telling people to stay calm. He said God was in control. That really helped some of us keep our sanity,” said another passenger.
Dr. Benson Onuwaje, a businessman seated in First Class, reportedly stood up mid-flight to lead passengers in prayers.
“The man is a man of God,” said Mathew Adekunle, another passenger. “He rose and called on Jesus, quoting Psalms and asking for divine intervention. Many joined him in prayer. We thank God the plane landed safely.”
As of press time, there was no official statement from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) or Air Peace detailing the technical problems that led to the botched landing attempts. However, insiders within the airline industry suspect a potential systems malfunction or a sudden weather disruption over Lagos.
An aviation analyst, who asked not to be named, said, “It’s not unusual for flights to circle before landing due to weather or traffic congestion at airports. But when a pilot makes multiple landing attempts and has to abort each one, there’s a strong likelihood of a mechanical or navigational issue.”
The pilot’s identity has not been released, and efforts to contact Air Peace for comment have not yielded results. Social media posts have begun to circulate with unverified claims about the aircraft’s condition and maintenance record.
Observers across the political spectrum have noted that had anything happened to Obi during the flight, Nigeria could have been thrown into immediate political and social unrest.
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“Let’s be honest—if anything had happened to Peter Obi on that flight, this country would not sleep for days,” said political analyst Henry Adebayo. “He is more than just a politician. He’s a symbol of hope to millions of Nigerians, especially the youth.”
Social media exploded with prayers and reactions once news broke that the flight had landed safely. The hashtag #ThankGodForObi began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens expressing gratitude for his survival.
“Nigeria dodged a bullet today,” wrote user @Chuks4Naija. “I can’t imagine what would have happened if that plane had gone down with Peter Obi inside. God forbid!”
Peter Obi, according to sources close to his team, had been in northern Nigeria in the days leading up to the flight, visiting flood-affected communities and offering relief materials. Only recently, he had donated N20 million to flood victims in Niger State.
“He returned to Abuja for a scheduled political meeting and then boarded the Lagos-bound flight for another engagement,” the source told Irohinoodua. “It was supposed to be a regular day. But as you can see, no day is guaranteed in Nigeria.”
Following the incident, Obi did not issue an immediate public statement but was seen being escorted calmly out of the airport by aides. Witnesses described his demeanor as “composed but thoughtful.”
The incident reignites long-standing concerns over the safety of Nigeria’s aviation industry. With aging aircrafts, irregular maintenance, and a regulatory body often accused of lax enforcement, passengers are increasingly wary of domestic flights.
“This incident needs a full investigation,” said aviation expert Joy Effiong. “The airline must be held accountable if any negligence is found. Nigerian lives are not disposable.”
Several civil society groups have already called for a probe into the near-crash. The National Association of Nigerian Travellers (NANT) issued a statement demanding a full disclosure from Air Peace and NCAA.
Though Obi’s political allies have not officially commented, insiders suggest that this event might reenergize his political base. For many supporters, his calm presence during the crisis only reinforces his credentials as a leader.
“He walked through the valley of the shadow of death and did not fear,” said LP youth wing leader, Chinedu Obum. “Obi is God’s gift to Nigeria. His time is not yet up.”
The Labour Party itself is expected to hold a press briefing in the coming days. Meanwhile, some opposition voices have seized on the event to call for aviation reforms.
“Nigeria must not wait for a tragedy before we fix our aviation industry,” said APC senator Ibrahim Musa. “This is a wake-up call.”
By evening, many survivors had reached out to family and friends, recounting the horror of the flight. A WhatsApp group created by passengers on the flight was reportedly filled with messages of gratitude and prayers.
One message read: “God saved us. He saved Peter Obi. We will never forget this day.”
Another survivor, Fola Akinlabi, said, “This event changed how I see life. One minute you’re planning your next meeting, the next you’re not sure if you’ll live to see it.”
As the sun set over Lagos on Tuesday, Nigeria quietly averted a catastrophe. For Peter Obi and the more than 100 passengers aboard Air Peace Flight P47123, it was a miraculous escape from what could have been their final journey.
But the incident leaves more than just relief in its wake—it also raises questions about leadership, infrastructure, national priorities, and the thin thread by which so many Nigerian lives hang.
For now, the country breathes a sigh of relief. But with public confidence in aviation safety once again shaken, many are asking: will this close call finally spur the reforms Nigeria so desperately needs?
