Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 General Elections, Peter Obi, has said, in Nigeria a “new dimension of toxic politics” has been in practice “since 2025”.
Obi made the statement after he was prevented from welcoming the Flamingos of Nigeria that recently emerged Champions of the World following their victory in Morocco.
Taking to X, he narrated, he got to the airport as early as 07:00 am to board his flight to Enugu, and right there, he saw the Flamingos that had just landed and getting ready to board their vehicle to leave the airport.
Obi said, upon seeing the new Queens of the World, he was “genuinely” filled with “joy and enthusiasm”, and that moved him to inquire whether he could “greet”, as well as, “welcome” the girls, but, his request was declined.
He said, he was “informed”, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials “refused” his request of welcoming the girls because if he did approach the Flamingos, “they would all lose their jobs”.
In a statement he titled ‘A new dimension of toxic politics in Nigeria’, Obi said: “The new dimension of toxic politics that Nigeria has developed since 2025,
“I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town.
“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs.”
The Flamingos clinched the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 title after beating the Little Nadeshiko of Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday 7 November, 2026 in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria won the title for the first time in its history in the age category, as well as, emerged the first country in Africa to win the trophy.
Obi continued, this rejection has happened to him before, saying, it is not the first time he has suffered “such treatment”.
He recalled an extremely similar event which happened in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital, where he was prevented from greeting the players after a World Cup qualifier.
He was told the same thing that, the officials “would lose their jobs if I proceeded”.
Obi said: “Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier.
“The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded.”
The former Governor of Anambra State described the “toxic politics” being practised in Nigeria “since 2025” as “deeply troubling”, saying, it brings about “further deterioration” to the country every year.
He assured, his government will ensure “unity and mutual respect” replace “hostility, discrimination” in Nigeria.
Obi said: “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.
“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.”
