The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as a new dimension of toxic politics after allegedly being prevented from greeting Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, at an airport.
The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) said in a statement on Monday that Obi was at the airport preparing to travel to Enugu when he noticed the team arriving after its historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
According to the statement, signed by POMR spokesperson Idris Zekri, Obi asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet and congratulate the players.
However, he was reportedly informed that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had asked that he not approach the team, allegedly warning that they could lose their jobs if they allowed the interaction.
Obi said he respected the officials’ position but expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of political divisions in the country.
In a post on his X account, he described the incident as “A NEW DIMENSION OF TOXIC POLITICS IN NIGERIA.”
He explained:
“I arrived at the airport at 7 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 Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs.”
The former Anambra State governor said the experience was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with Nigerian footballers.
He recalled attending a 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Uyo on March 25, 2025, where he said the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand.
Obi alleged that after the match, other government officials were allowed to greet the players, but he was stopped from doing the same. He claimed officials again cited fears of losing their jobs.
Describing the incidents as troubling, Obi said political differences should not prevent Nigerians from showing mutual respect or celebrating national achievements.
“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. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected,” he said.
He added: “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. A new Nigeria is possible.”
The allegations have sparked debate over the treatment of public figures at national sporting events and the need to keep athletes separate from political disputes.
