Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as toxic politics in Nigeria after alleging that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting members of the country’s Under-17 women’s football team at the airport.
Obi disclosed this in a statement following an encounter at the airport on Monday morning, where he said he arrived at about 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu and spotted the young footballers who had just arrived and were preparing to leave the airport.
According to him, he immediately expressed interest in welcoming and congratulating the team, prompting him to ask his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players.
However, he claimed he was informed that NFF officials had refused his request, allegedly warning that they would lose their jobs if he was allowed to greet the team.
Obi described the incident as regrettable, noting that it was not the first time he had experienced what he considered political discrimination in connection with Nigeria’s football activities.
Recalling a similar experience on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the former Anambra State governor said he was warmly received by the state governor and welcomed at the VIP stand.
He alleged that after the match, while other government officials were allowed to interact with the players, he was again prevented from greeting them, with officials reportedly giving the same explanation that they could lose their jobs if he proceeded.
Expressing concern over the development, Obi lamented what he described as the increasing politicisation of national activities, arguing that political differences should not prevent Nigerians from showing support for the country’s athletes.
He said the situation reflected the growing level of hostility and intimidation in the country, adding that Nigeria appeared to be experiencing further deterioration in its national cohesion.
Obi stressed that the Nigeria citizens aspire to build must be one where political affiliation does not determine how individuals are treated or whether they can participate in national celebrations.
According to him, unity, mutual respect and shared humanity should take precedence over political interests.
He further called for a Nigeria free from hostility, intimidation and discrimination, regardless of political differences.
“A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi declared.
