The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at an airport on Monday.
Obi alleged that the officials refused to allow him to approach the players because they feared they could lose their jobs if he interacted with the team.
The former Anambra State governor described the incident as another example of what he called the growing culture of “toxic politics” in Nigeria, arguing that political differences were increasingly affecting national unity and ordinary social interactions.
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Obi said he arrived at the airport at about 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he spotted the Flamingos, who had just arrived and were preparing to leave the airport.
He said he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet and welcome the players but was informed that NFF officials had objected.
“I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town,” Obi wrote.
“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs.”
Obi said the incident was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with Nigerian footballers over fears of possible repercussions for officials.
He recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a World Cup qualifying match.
According to him, although the governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, other government officials were allegedly stopped from allowing him to greet the players after the match.
“Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate blamed what he described as a deterioration in Nigeria’s political environment since 2025, warning against allowing political affiliations to dictate interactions among citizens.
“It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected,” he stated.
He called for a country where citizens could interact freely without hostility, intimidation or discrimination based on their political affiliations.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences,” he added.
Obi Had Congratulated Flamingos After World Cup Triumph
Obi’s complaint came a day after he congratulated the Flamingos on their triumph at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
In a separate post on Sunday, the former Anambra governor praised the players for their achievement, describing their performance as a source of national pride.
“FLAMINGOS: YOU HAVE MADE NIGERIA PROUD,” he wrote.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional Flamingos on their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
“To our talented young stars, thank you for raising our flag high and bringing immense joy to our nation. Your remarkable talent, resilience, hard work and dedication have earned you a special place in the hearts of Nigerians.
“You have made our nation proud, and we truly appreciate your outstanding efforts.
“Congratulations, champions!”
