By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to charge Labour Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ₦25,000 for wrongful parking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Keyamo made the announcement after investigating an incident that occurred on July 4, 2026, saying CCTV footage showed Obi’s vehicle violated airport regulations by remaining unattended in a restricted drop-off zone for about 30 minutes.
Keyamo Explains Findings From CCTV Investigation
According to the minister, he ordered an internal investigation after Obi alleged that airport officials unfairly clamped his vehicle in what he described as a politically motivated act.
Keyamo said the airport’s CCTV system captured the entire incident.
He explained that Obi arrived at the domestic terminal at exactly 8:28 p.m. in a vehicle driven by a police officer.
After Obi and two other passengers entered the terminal, the police driver parked the vehicle near the entrance.
The officer briefly returned at 8:32 p.m. to collect an item before leaving the vehicle unattended again.
According to Keyamo, airport regulations allow temporary stopping only when the driver remains inside the vehicle.
He said abandoning the vehicle in the drop-off zone violated airport rules and created a security risk.
Airport Officials Clamped the Vehicle
Keyamo stated that airport security officers later clamped the vehicle’s tyres after confirming that nobody remained inside.
He rejected Obi’s claim that someone occupied the vehicle during the enforcement action.
The minister also dismissed claims that several other vehicles committed similar offences.
According to him, the unattended vehicle remained in the prohibited area for approximately 30 minutes.
He described the situation as a breach of global airport security standards.
Obi Allegedly Secured Vehicle Release Without Paying Fine
The minister said the police driver later discovered the tyres had been clamped and reported to the airport manager.
According to Keyamo, the officer called Obi and handed the phone to the manager.
He alleged that Obi introduced himself and requested the vehicle’s release.
The vehicle was subsequently released without payment of the prescribed fine.
Keyamo argued that no individual should receive preferential treatment.
Minister Demands Public Apology
The minister accused Obi of using the incident to create unnecessary political controversy.
He described Obi’s persecution claim as false and said airport workers simply carried out their lawful duties.
Keyamo therefore demanded that Obi issue an unreserved public apology to the airport personnel.
He also asked Obi to voluntarily return to the airport and pay the ₦25,000 parking fine.
According to the minister, every Nigerian must remain equal before the law.
One-Week Deadline Issued
Keyamo warned that Obi has one week to comply with the demands.
He said failure to apologise and pay the fine would prompt him to direct FAAN to take further administrative action.
The minister maintained that the issue should have ended quietly but escalated after Obi publicly alleged political persecution.
He insisted that the available CCTV footage clearly supports the airport authorities’ account of the incident.
