Keyamo Accuses Peter Obi of Hypocrisy Over Alleged NFF Airport Incident

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of hypocrisy following his account of an alleged incident involving Nigeria’s Under-17 girls’ football team at an airport.

Obi had earlier criticised what he described as a growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria, alleging that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting members of the young team for fear of losing their jobs.

In a post on his X account titled “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria,” Obi said he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he noticed the Under-17 girls’ team preparing to depart.

He explained that he asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet the players. However, he claimed he was informed that NFF officials had rejected the request, allegedly warning that they could face consequences if they allowed him to approach the team.

The former governor also recalled a similar incident on March 25, 2025, in Uyo, where he claimed he was prevented from greeting players following a World Cup qualifying match.

Obi described the alleged incidents as signs of increasing political hostility in the country, calling for a Nigeria where national unity and mutual respect take priority over political affiliations.

However, Keyamo challenged Obi’s account, questioning why the opposition politician appeared eager to associate himself with what he described as an achievement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a response posted on X, the aviation minister accused Obi of frequently portraying Nigeria as a failed country while seeking to identify with developments he considered national successes.

Keyamo also suggested that Obi’s interest in meeting the players might have been motivated by a desire for publicity and photo opportunities.

The minister wrote:

“Mr Peter Obi @PeterObi, in all your public vituperations, you often say things akin to the fact that ‘Nigeria is finished’. So, why are you now so anxious to associate with a success story of the country or this government? Just for photo ops? You see the hypocrisy?”

The exchange has brought renewed attention to the relationship between political rivalry, public institutions and national sporting achievements.