LAGOS, Nigeria — Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, demanding a public apology and payment of a N25,000 fine for alleged airport parking violations during a recent visit to a Nigerian airport.
The minister’s demand follows an incident in which Obi was reportedly involved in a breach of airport protocols at a major international airport. While details of the incident remain sketchy, Keyamo accused Obi of disregarding established airport regulations, which he said undermined the authority of airport officials and compromised safety procedures.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Keyamo described Obi’s actions as unacceptable and insisted that the former governor must take responsibility for his conduct. “Peter Obi must tender a public apology and pay a N25,000 fine to serve as a deterrent,” Keyamo said. “We cannot allow anyone, regardless of status, to flout the rules that keep our airports safe and orderly.”
Keyamo’s ultimatum has sparked a political firestorm, with supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate accusing the minister of using his position to settle political scores. Obi has not yet publicly responded to the demand, but political observers expect the former governor to resist the ultimatum, which they see as a calculated effort to tarnish his image.
The incident has also drawn criticism from civil society groups, who have questioned the legality of Keyamo’s authority to impose fines on individuals for airport violations. Some legal experts have argued that only the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the relevant security agencies have the jurisdiction to enforce airport regulations and impose penalties.
Keyamo, however, defended his position, stating that his actions are consistent with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act and other relevant laws. He also warned that other public figures who flout airport regulations would face similar consequences, regardless of their status or political affiliation.
The incident has added to the growing political tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures, with both sides accusing each other of political witch-hunting. As the 2027 elections approach, such confrontations are likely to intensify, with political actors using regulatory and legal mechanisms to weaken their rivals.
Obi’s camp is expected to respond to the ultimatum in the coming days, and the outcome of the standoff could have implications for his political trajectory and the broader political climate in Nigeria. For now, the seven-day deadline has put the spotlight on the former governor and his relationship with the current administration.
