By David Onimisi Lawani
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is deeply saddened by Sunday’s fatal crash of a military aircraft Beechcraft KingAir B350i at the Abuja airport.

Sen. John Akpan Udoedehe, National Secretary Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party made the statement in a condolences message saying the death of the officers was unfortunate.

He said: ” The unfortunate and fatal plane crash brings to fore the tireless work, sacrifices and hazards faced by our armed forces and other security services in their daily efforts to keep the country safe. As directed by the Chief of Air Staff, we are confident of a quick and thorough investigation into the plane crash.

” We extend our condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, particularly the families, loved ones and colleagues of the seven Air Force personnel that lost their lives in Sunday’s plane crash following a reported engine failure. May their souls rest in peace”, he said.

President Buhari condoles NAF, families of victims of military plane crash

Meanwhile the party has also said it is extending the revalidation and registration of its membership exercise to allow for more party faithfuls enough time to participate in the process adding that the feedback across the states have been overwhelming and beyond projected success level; with a massive turnout of intending registrants beyond the expectation of the party.

It said the development is responsible for the shortage of registration materials recorded in many states across the country and thereby warranting an extension of the exercise to give every interested Nigerian the opportunity to officially identify with the ruling party, the APC.

Plane crash : Reps condoles NAF, family of victims

According to the statement: ” On behalf of the National Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate the good works of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state led Youth, Women Mobilisation and Persons with Disabilities’ Sensitisation Committee, The National Registration, Revalidation Committee led by Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, the states steering committees for the exercise and all party officials who have been both directly and indirectly involved in the exercise from the outset.

” We have received a nationwide acknowledgement of the increasing popularity of the APC, and most especially in states that are being governed by the opposition party. Biases in some sections might have made attempts to rubbish the good works of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, but the strong, impressive response of the public in the ongoing registration exercise has spoken the true minds of Nigerians and has put paid to the false narratives of party’s critics, cynics and the opposition.

The party said further that it is in the interest of the party members that extension of time has been granted stressing the need for cooperation as the party is ready to ensure all material are adequately distributed to all the states.

” In response to the demands across the states for an extension to allow accommodation of all prospective members, the Party has therefore extended the nationwide membership registration exercise by a period of three (3) weeks.

” This extension will shift the end of the exercise to Wednesday 31st March, 2021.

” Additional disbursement of registration materials to meet up with the demands reported in most states has however commenced and will continue until the material needs of all the affected states are adequately met”, it stated.