Get Guardian on GoogleThe presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has raised concerns over what he described as growing political intolerance and hostility in Nigeria, alleging that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting members of the national Under-17 women’s football team at an airport.
Obi disclosed this in a post on his official X handle on Monday, recounting how he was allegedly denied access to the young footballers while preparing to board a flight to Enugu.
According to the former Anambra State governor, he arrived at the airport at about 7 a.m. and spotted the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board a vehicle into town.
He said he was delighted to see the players and subsequently asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach them to offer his greetings and welcome.
However, Obi said he was informed that NFF officials had refused his request, allegedly warning that they would lose their jobs if he was allowed to interact with the team.
He expressed disappointment over the incident, describing it as another instance of political discrimination and intimidation, adding that he had experienced similar treatment in the past.
Obi recalled that on March 25, 2025, when hetravelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to watch a World Cup qualifying match, he was warmly received by the state governor and welcomed at the VIP stand.
He, however, alleged that after the match, when other government officials went to greet the players, he was prevented from doing the same.
According to him, officials again told him that they would lose their jobs if he proceeded to interact with the players.
Expressing concern over what he described as the worsening political climate, Obi said the incidents reflected the extent to which Nigeria had descended into toxic politics.
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.
The NDC presidential candidate maintained that political differences should not be allowed to undermine national unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
He added that 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,” Obi said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace a political culture that prioritises shared humanity and national interest over partisan considerations.
