Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting the national under-17 female football team at the airport on Monday.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi condemned what he described as the growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria.
He stated that he asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could welcome the players, but was informed that NFF officials had warned against his approach.
According to Obi, “The new dimension of toxic politics that Nigeria has developed since 2025.
I arrived at the airport at 7:00 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town.”
“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had refused and requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs.”
“Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for a World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded.”
“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, reflecting how deeply Nigeria has been affected.”
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences,” he said.
