Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, at the airport.
Obi described the incident as another disturbing example of how political considerations are allegedly being allowed to interfere with ordinary public interactions.
In a statement issued by the NDC on Monday, Obi said he arrived at the airport at about 7am while preparing to travel to Enugu when he noticed the Flamingos had just returned from their historic triumph.
He said he was excited to see the players and asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to approach the team’s officials and find out whether he could greet them.
However, Obi claimed that NFF officials pleaded with his aide not to allow him to approach the players, warning that they could lose their jobs if he did.
He said he respected their request and avoided creating a situation that could put the officials in trouble.
Obi, however, expressed disappointment that a simple gesture of congratulating young Nigerian athletes could reportedly become a source of fear for officials.
He described the development as “a new dimension of toxic politics in Nigeria”, arguing that national achievements should unite citizens rather than become entangled in political divisions.
The former governor recalled a similar incident in Uyo on March 25, 2025, after Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying match.
According to him, the governor had welcomed him at the VIP stand, but officials allegedly prevented him from greeting the players, claiming they could lose their jobs.
Obi said such incidents raise concerns about the atmosphere surrounding public institutions and the growing fear of political consequences for ordinary professional interactions.
He called for a country where citizens can celebrate national achievements without intimidation, discrimination or political hostility.
The NDC said the reported incident reinforces the need for a new political culture in which public institutions serve Nigerians without partisan considerations.