Former Anambra State Governor and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NEC, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over what he described as the growing toxicity of Nigerian politics, alleging that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting the country’s triumphant Under-17 girls’ team at an airport for fear of losing their jobs.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, November 9, 2026, said the incident occurred when he arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu and encountered the young footballers, who had just arrived and were preparing to leave.
The NDC presidential candidate said he was excited to see the team and instructed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could welcome the players.
However, he alleged that NFF officials refused his request, warning that they could lose their jobs if he approached the team.
“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,” Obi stated.
The former governor said the alleged incident was not the first time he had been prevented from interacting with Nigerian footballers, recalling a similar experience during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo on March 25, 2025.
According to him, although the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, he was subsequently prevented from greeting the players after the match.
“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,” he said.
Obi expressed concern over what he described as the increasing deterioration of political relations in Nigeria since 2025, arguing that the alleged incidents reflected the extent to which political differences had affected the country.
“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 stated.
The former presidential candidate called for an end to political hostility, intimidation and discrimination, insisting that citizens should be treated with respect irrespective of their political affiliations.
“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,” Obi said.
He concluded by reiterating his belief that Nigeria could overcome its political divisions and build a country anchored on unity and mutual respect..
