The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for 2027 elections, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s team at an airport over fears of losing their jobs.
Mr Obi disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the incident as another example of what he called the growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria.
He said he arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he spotted the team, which had just arrived and was preparing to leave the airport.
According to him, he asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out if he would be allowed to welcome the players but was informed that NFF officials had rejected the request.
He said the officials feared they would lose their jobs if he approached the team.
Mr Obi recounted a similar incident on March 25, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a World Cup qualifying match.
He said that although the governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, government officials barred him from greeting the players after the match, citing fears of losing their jobs.
Mr Obi said the incident reflected the growing political intolerance in Nigeria, warning that the situation appeared to be deteriorating with each passing year.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
He added that national unity, mutual respect and shared humanity should be prioritised over political differences.
When contacted for comments, the former director of media and communications for NFF, Ademola Olajire, said, “I am not in the best position to disclose what transpired, I have resigned.”
