Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting members of the country’s Under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, at an airport, allegedly out of fear of losing their jobs.
Obi claimed that the officials warned that they would all lose their jobs if they allowed him to approach and interact with the players.
The former Anambra State governor made the allegation in a post on X on Monday, where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria.
Obi said he arrived at the airport at about 7 a.m. on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he sighted the Flamingos, who had just returned to the country and were preparing to leave the airport.
He said he subsequently directed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the team to congratulate and welcome the players.
However, he alleged that the NFF officials turned down the request and instructed that he should not be allowed near 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 wrote.
The NDC presidential candidate said the incident was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with members of a Nigerian national team.
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, the state governor received him warmly at the VIP stand before the match. However, after the game, he alleged that he was prevented from joining other government officials who went to greet the players.
Obi said the officials again cited fears of losing their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the team.
He lamented what he described as the steady deterioration of Nigeria’s political climate since 2025, warning that the growing hostility appeared to be worsening with each passing year.
The former governor argued that national institutions and sporting events should remain free from political interference, stressing that political differences should not prevent Nigerians from celebrating or encouraging their national teams.
He maintained that the country Nigeria seeks to build must have no place for hostility, intimidation or discrimination on the basis of political affiliation.