The Keyamo Obi airport dispute has taken a fresh turn in Abuja. Festus Keyamo has asked Peter Obi to apologise to airport workers and pay a ₦25,000 parking fine following an internal investigation.
ABUJA, FCT — Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has demanded that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, publicly apologise to airport staff and pay a ₦25,000 fine over an alleged violation of parking regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The minister’s demand followed an internal review conducted by the ministry after Obi alleged that airport officials unfairly targeted his vehicle during a recent visit to the airport. According to Keyamo, findings from the inquiry, including the review of CCTV footage, indicated that the incident resulted from the enforcement of existing airport regulations rather than political persecution. The Keyamo Obi airport dispute has since become one of the most talked-about political developments, drawing reactions from supporters of both figures and renewing debate over the treatment of public office holders and opposition politicians.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Aviation, Keyamo said the CCTV footage showed that Obi arrived at the domestic terminal on July 4, 2026, at about 8:28 p.m. He explained that the vehicle conveying the former Anambra State governor, which was reportedly driven by a police officer, remained unattended in a designated drop-off area for approximately 30 minutes after Obi entered the terminal building. According to the minister, airport security personnel subsequently clamped the vehicle’s tyres in line with established parking regulations enforced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). He maintained that officials who carried out the enforcement action were unaware that the vehicle belonged to Peter Obi at the time, insisting that the measures were applied in accordance with airport rules.
Keyamo further alleged that after the vehicle was clamped, the police driver contacted Obi, who then reportedly spoke with an airport manager and requested that the vehicle be released without paying the prescribed penalty. The minister argued that the available evidence did not support claims that the action was politically motivated. Instead, he accused Obi of presenting what he described as a misleading account of the incident to the public. Consequently, Keyamo called on the former presidential candidate to issue what he termed an “unreserved public apology” to airport personnel and voluntarily pay the ₦25,000 parking fine within one week. He added that should Obi fail to comply, he would instruct FAAN to pursue further administrative action in accordance with applicable regulations.
The controversy began after Peter Obi publicly claimed that the clamping of his vehicle formed part of what he described as a pattern of intimidation and unfair treatment directed at him by the Federal Government. His remarks generated widespread political debate, with supporters arguing that opposition figures should not be subjected to selective enforcement of public regulations, while critics maintained that all Nigerians, regardless of status, must comply with established rules. Extra News Nigeria indicate that the incident has dominated conversations across social media, with legal analysts and aviation stakeholders offering differing interpretations of the facts presented by both parties. At the time this report was filed, Obi had not issued a formal response to Keyamo’s latest allegations or the findings of the ministry’s internal inquiry.
The Keyamo Obi airport dispute is expected to remain a significant political issue as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum. Political observers say the disagreement underscores the growing sensitivity surrounding interactions between government institutions and opposition leaders in the current political climate. They also note that the controversy highlights the importance of transparency, accountability and equal application of public regulations, particularly in high-profile cases involving prominent political figures. With no response yet from Obi, attention will now focus on whether he addresses the minister’s demands or whether FAAN proceeds with any additional administrative measures. The outcome could further shape public discourse on governance, political accountability and institutional fairness in Nigeria.
Also Read: Peter Obi Says Businesses Have Declined Under Tinubu’s Government
