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

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

In a statement, the former Anambra State governor 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.

He said he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to seek permission for him to greet the players but was informed that NFF officials had turned down the request, warning that allowing him access could cost them their jobs.

Obi also recalled a similar incident on March 25, 2025, when he attended a World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

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

Describing both incidents as examples of what he called toxic politics, Obi said political differences should not be allowed to undermine national unity and mutual respect.

“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

“It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences.”