LAGO NOVEMBER 9TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation of preventing him from greeting members of the victorious Flamingos at an airport, allegedly because they feared losing their jobs.
Obi said he was stopped from approaching the Nigeria Under-17 women’s team when he arrived at the airport at about 7am on Monday to board a flight to Enugu.
In a statement posted on his X account, the former Anambra State governor said he was delighted to see the players, 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 welcome the team but was informed that NFF officials had objected.
“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.
He described the incident as an example of what he called the growing culture of “toxic politics”, accusing political actors of allowing partisan differences to interfere with ordinary interactions and national unity.
Obi said it was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from greeting Nigerian footballers over fears that officials could face repercussions.
He recalled a similar incident on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a World Cup qualifying match.
According to him, the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, but he was subsequently prevented from greeting the players after the match.
“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 said the two incidents reflected what he considered a worsening political climate in the country since 2025.
“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,” he stated.
He called for a country where citizens could interact freely irrespective of their political affiliations, insisting that hostility and intimidation should not determine how people relate.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation,” Obi said.
“It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences.”
His 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 message on Sunday, Obi praised the young players for their performance, describing their achievement as a source of national pride.
“FLAMINGOS: YOU HAVE MADE NIGERIA PROUD,” he wrote.
He thanked the team for raising the country’s flag and bringing joy to Nigerians, adding that their “remarkable talent, resilience, hard work and dedication” had earned them a special place in the hearts of the people.
“You have made our nation proud, and we truly appreciate your outstanding efforts. Congratulations, champions!” he added.
The NFF had yet to respond to Obi’s allegation as of the time of filing this report.
GalaxyTV
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