Obi Alleges NFF Officials Blocked Him From Greeting Flamingos

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at an airport, describing the incident as an example of growing political intolerance.

Obi made the allegation in a post on his official X handle on Monday, recounting how he was denied access to the players while preparing to board a flight to Enugu.

The former Anambra State governor said he arrived at the airport at about 7 a.m. and spotted the national team, which had just returned from an international assignment and was preparing to board a vehicle into town.

Delighted to see the players, Obi said he instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach them to congratulate and welcome them.

He, however, alleged that NFF officials rejected the request, claiming they would lose their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the team.

Obi expressed disappointment over the incident, saying he had experienced similar treatment on previous occasions.

He recalled that on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to watch a World Cup qualifying match, he was warmly received by the state governor and welcomed into the VIP stand.

However, he alleged that after the match, when government officials went to greet the players, he was prevented from joining them.

According to him, officials again warned that they could lose their jobs if he was allowed to interact with the footballers.

The NDC presidential candidate said the incidents reflected what he described as the worsening political climate in the country and the growing influence of partisan considerations in public institutions.

“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.

Obi maintained that political differences should not undermine national unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

He said the Nigeria citizens aspire to build must be free from hostility, intimidation and discrimination, irrespective of political affiliation.

“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.

He urged Nigerians to embrace a political culture that places national interest and shared humanity above partisan considerations.