Don’t Turn Flamingos Into Politics: Presidency Knocks Obi Over Airport Greeting Drama

Don’t Turn Flamingos Into Politics: Presidency Knocks Obi Over Airport Greeting Drama

The Presidency has warned presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, to stop dragging Nigeria’s national teams into politics after his claim that Nigeria Football Federation officials stopped him from greeting the Flamingos at the airport.

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also joined the Presidency to fault Obi, saying what happened at the airport was not political persecution but normal protocol for young athletes on official duty.

The drama started after Obi narrated his own version of what happened at the airport on Monday.

What Really Happened At The Airport According To Obi?

Obi said he arrived at the airport on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he saw the Flamingos, Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s team, preparing to board a vehicle after arriving in the country following their historic U-17 World Cup triumph.

He said he wanted to greet the girls and congratulate them. He said he sent his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to ask if he could approach the players.

According to Obi, he was told that NFF officials objected and warned that they could lose their jobs if he greeted the team.

Obi described the incident as a new dimension of toxic politics in Nigeria.

His account immediately sparked reactions online, with many of his supporters accusing the government and the NFF of blocking him for political reasons.

But the Presidency sees it differently.

Presidency: Flamingos Belong To Nigeria, Not To Any Politician

In a statement released on Monday, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, accused the opposition of trying to politicise national sports teams and institutions.

He said the Flamingos and other national athletes represent the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, not any specific political party or individual ambition.

Olusegun explained that protocol guidelines for national teams were put in place to protect young athletes from political exploitation, commercial distractions, and unnecessary media circuses while on official duty.

He said turning standard security and administrative procedures into a case of political victimisation is a disservice to the unity that sport is meant to foster in our country.

The presidential aide also accused Obi of using unverified hearsay to build a victim narrative, and urged him to allow the athletes to focus on representing the country without distractions.

Bashir Ahmad: It Is Protocol, Not Persecution

Similarly, Bashir Ahmad, the National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, disagreed with Obi’s description of the incident as toxic politics.

Ahmad said being denied access to greet the team did not automatically amount to political persecution.

Protocol, security and administrative considerations must have been involved, he said.

He urged the former Anambra State governor to prioritise facts and responsibility, adding that Nigeria was bigger than any individual or political party.

A new Nigeria is possible, but not through perpetual political antagonism, Ahmad added.

Where Is NFF In All This?

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Football Federation had not publicly commented on Obi’s account.

The silence from the NFF has left many Nigerians asking questions: Was Obi really blocked? Was it a security instruction? Or was it just a misunderstanding at the airport?

Why This Story Is Generating Reactions

The Flamingos just made history by winning the U-17 World Cup, and they arrived in Abuja to a heroic welcome. Many Nigerians see them as national heroes who should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of party.

That is why Obi’s claim touched a nerve. For his supporters, it looked like politics was being used to deny him access to celebrate national heroes. For the Presidency and its supporters, it looked like Obi was trying to use the girls to score political points.

The big question now is: Should politicians be allowed free access to national teams on official duty, or should protocol be strictly followed to protect young athletes?

What is your take? Was it protocol or politics? Was Obi right to speak out, or should he have left the Flamingos alone? Drop your comment below and share this story.