Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he was prevented from greeting the victorious women’s Under-17 World Champions at the airport on Monday morning.
Obi said he was at the airport on his way to Enugu and saw the team that had just arrived, but as he tried to greet them, the officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) pleaded with him to save their jobs.
Obi said he respected their position but described the situation on his X handle as “a new dimension of toxic politics in Nigeria.”
According to the frontline presidential candidate in the January 16, 2027, election, “this is the new dimension of toxic politics that Nigeria has developed since 2025.”
“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,” Obi said.
“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.
“Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me 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 the 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. This reflects 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. A new Nigeria is possible.”
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