Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has accused Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi of hypocrisy following a dispute over an alleged incident at the airport involving the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ football team. The exchange highlights a growing tension between the former Anambra State governor and the Bola Tinubu administration, with Keyamo questioning Obi’s motives for seeking proximity to what he described as a government success story.
The controversy stems from a post by Obi on his X handle, in which he condemned what he termed a "new dimension of toxic politics" in Nigeria. Obi alleged that officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting the young players, warning that they could lose their jobs if he approached the team. He stated that he had arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he spotted the Under-17 girls’ team preparing to depart.
According to Obi, he asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet the players but was informed that NFF officials had refused his request.
Obi further cited a similar incident that occurred on March 25, 2025, in Uyo, where he claimed he was also prevented from greeting players after a World Cup qualifying match. He framed these events as evidence of worsening political hostility, calling for a Nigeria where unity and mutual respect take precedence over political differences.
Reacting to these allegations, Keyamo challenged Obi’s consistency, noting that the former presidential candidate frequently criticizes the state of the country. In a response on X, the minister questioned why Obi was eager to associate himself with a success story of the current administration despite his public criticisms.
"Mr Peter Obi @PeterObi, in all your public vituperations, you often say things akin to the fact that ‘Nigeria is finished’," Keyamo wrote. "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 dispute underscores the sharp political divide in Nigeria, with the NDC candidate and the federal government trading accusations regarding the nature of political engagement and the treatment of national sports teams.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
