Peter Obi Blasts Festus Keyamo Over Abuja Airport Controversy, Alleges Political Targetin

Peter Obi Blasts Festus Keyamo Over Abuja Airport Controversy, Alleges Political Targeting

ABUJA, Nigeria — Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has fired back at the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over the ongoing airport parking controversy, accusing the minister of presenting a misleading account of events and unfairly targeting him for political reasons.

The dispute erupted after Keyamo reportedly issued Obi an ultimatum to publicly apologize to airport officials and pay a ₦25,000 fine for an alleged parking violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, or face further action.

Peter Obi Rejects Keyamo's Version of Events

In a statement released on Saturday by his media office and signed by spokesman Zekeri Idris, Obi dismissed the minister's claims, insisting that the incident Keyamo referenced was completely different from the one he described during a recent interview.

According to the statement, Obi was not present during the incident highlighted by the minister, making comparisons between the two events inaccurate and misleading.

The media office maintained that the minister's account does not reflect the facts surrounding Obi's own experience at the airport.

Obi Raises Concerns Over Alleged Political Targeting

The statement further argued that multiple incidents involving vehicles linked to Peter Obi point to what it described as a pattern of selective treatment.

According to Obi's camp, if vehicles associated with the opposition leader have repeatedly been subjected to controversial enforcement actions, Nigerians deserve to know whether political considerations are influencing official decisions.

The statement stressed that every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should receive equal treatment under the law.

"Peter Obi Has No Police Driver"

Responding to claims about Obi's security arrangements, the statement clarified that the former Anambra State governor does not have a police officer serving as his driver.

It also stated that despite being one of Nigeria's leading opposition figures and entitled to enhanced security protection, Obi currently has no permanently attached police or Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel in Abuja.

Dispute Over Airport Parking Timeline

Obi's media office also challenged claims that the vehicle remained parked for about 30 minutes.

According to the statement, the entire sequence—from arrival to the vehicle being clamped—lasted approximately five minutes, adding that many international airports allow short drop-off periods before enforcement measures are taken.

The spokesperson questioned the source of the reported 30-minute figure.

Questions Raised Over Equal Enforcement

The statement also asked why several other vehicles reportedly parked in the same area were not sanctioned.

According to Obi's camp, multiple vehicles were already stationed near the location before the arrival of the vehicle linked to Obi, yet none allegedly received similar treatment.

The media office argued that such circumstances raise legitimate questions about fairness and consistency in enforcing airport regulations.

CCTV Footage Sparks Security Concerns

Obi's spokesperson further criticized the publication of CCTV footage allegedly showing the opposition leader's movements at the airport.

The statement argued that releasing such footage on a personal social media platform could compromise the security of a prominent opposition figure while failing to establish any evidence of wrongdoing.

Previous Airport Incidents Cited

The statement referenced previous airport controversies involving former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), questioning why similar official reactions were not seen in those cases.

Obi Questions Keyamo's Authority

The media office also criticized Keyamo's warning that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) could take further action against Obi.

According to the statement, the minister's comments raise concerns about whether he is acting as the accuser, investigator, judge, and enforcer in the same matter.

The spokesperson maintained that the controversy goes beyond a parking dispute, touching on critical issues including:

- Equal treatment under the law

- Political neutrality of state institutions

- Security of opposition figures

- Accountability in a constitutional democracy

The statement concluded by saying Nigerians deserve transparency, fairness, and answers regarding the handling of the incident.

Why This Story Matters

The growing public disagreement between Peter Obi and Festus Keyamo has intensified political debate in Nigeria, with many observers closely watching how government institutions handle matters involving opposition figures.

As both sides continue to defend their positions, the controversy has become a wider conversation about fairness, accountability, equal application of the law, and public confidence in state institutions.

>>> What are your thoughts on the controversy? Do you believe airport regulations were fairly enforced, or do you think Peter Obi was selectively targeted? Share your opinion in the comments below, and follow for more verified Nigerian political news, breaking updates, and in-depth analysis.

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