Peter Obi Accuses NFF Officials of Preventing Him From Greeting Flamingos

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting Nigeria's Under-17 women's national football team, the Flamingos, at an airport.

Obi alleged that the officials refused his request because they feared losing their jobs if they allowed him to approach the players.

Obi Recounts Airport Encounter

In his account of the incident, Obi said he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he noticed the team preparing to leave for town.

He said he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet the players but was informed that NFF officials had rejected the request.

According to Obi, the officials reportedly warned that they could lose their jobs if he was allowed to approach the team.

Obi Recalls Previous Incident in Uyo

The former Anambra State governor also recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He claimed that although the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, officials later prevented him from greeting the players after the match.

Obi described the two incidents as examples of what he called toxic politics, arguing that political differences should not prevent people from showing support and goodwill towards one another.

Calls for Unity Beyond Politics

Reacting to the alleged incidents, Obi said Nigeria's aspiration for a better society should leave no room for hostility, intimidation or discrimination based on political affiliation.

He called for a country where unity, mutual respect and shared humanity take priority over political differences.

The allegations against the NFF officials were presented in Obi's account of the encounters.

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