Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from welcoming members of Nigeria’s Under-17 girls’ team at an airport.
Obi disclosed this in a social media post on Monday, November 9, 2026, describing it as a reflection of the increasingly hostile political environment in the country.
According to him, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. while he was at the airport preparing to travel to Enugu. He said he noticed members of the national U-17 girls’ team arriving and preparing to leave for their next destination.
Moved to congratulate the young footballers, Obi said he instructed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to seek permission from relevant officials for him to greet the players.
He alleged that the officials declined his request, warning that members of their team could lose their jobs if they allowed him to approach the players.
Obi linked the airport experience to an earlier incident he said happened in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to watch a World Cup qualifying match.
He recalled being received by the state governor at the VIP section of the stadium, but alleged that after the match, he was prevented from joining other government representatives to interact with the players over similar fears of professional consequences.
The former presidential candidate criticised what he described as the growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria, warning that political differences should never become reasons to intimidate others or deny them basic courtesy.
He stressed that Nigeria’s future should be built around mutual respect, inclusion and shared commitment to national development, adding that political affiliation should not determine how citizens are treated.
“A New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi stated.
