Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential spokesperson, have differing opinions on the claims that Obi made against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Olusegun Mimiko said in his statement titled “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria” that he was denied the opportunity to meet the Nigerian Under-17 female football team at Monday’s airport.
The former governor of Anambra State stated that he saw the team’s return to the country after their victory when he arrived at the airport that morning to take a flight to Enugu.
According to Obi, he then told Jackie Wayas, his protocol officer, to enquire as to whether he could personally greet the players.
But the NDC candidate said he found out afterward that NFF executives had opposed the plan and threatened to fire them all if he contacted the squad.
Ahmad, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), responded by criticising Obi’s reading of the event, saying that not being allowed to meet the football squad did not constitute political persecution.
He speculated that administrative, security, and protocol concerns may have played a role in the decision-making process.
Speaking of Nigeria, Ahmad emphasised that the country is larger than any one person or political group. Instead than focusing on stories that needlessly escalate political tensions, let’s stress facts and accountability.
“Perpetuating political animosity will not lead to a new Nigeria.”