Keyamo Fines Peter Obi, Demands Apology Over Abuja Airport Parking Incident

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has asked Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi to publicly apologise to airport personnel and pay a ₦25,000 parking fine following an internal review of an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Keyamo said the ministry launched an investigation after Obi alleged that his vehicle was unjustly clamped at the airport, claiming the action amounted to political persecution.

According to the minister, CCTV footage showed that Obi arrived at the domestic terminal on July 4 and entered the terminal while the police officer driving his vehicle left it unattended in the designated drop-off area. The officer reportedly returned briefly to retrieve an item before leaving the vehicle unattended again.

Keyamo said airport regulations prohibit drivers from leaving vehicles unattended in the drop-off zone because it is a sensitive security area. He added that security officials clamped the vehicle in line with standard procedure and were unaware of its ownership at the time.

The minister further stated that after discovering the clamp, the police officer contacted Obi by phone and handed the device to an airport manager. According to Keyamo, Obi identified himself and requested that the vehicle be released, after which it was released without payment of the prescribed fine.

He said the vehicle remained unattended in the restricted area for about 30 minutes, describing it as a violation of airport safety regulations and a potential security risk.

Rejecting Obi’s allegation of political persecution, Keyamo said the investigation found no evidence of selective treatment. He also criticised Obi for portraying the incident as politically motivated, noting that airport authorities had not publicised the matter.

“What has emerged from this is a clear case of an opposition candidate trying to whip up unnecessary sentiments over a violation committed by his driver,” the minister said.

Keyamo subsequently called on Obi to issue an unreserved public apology to the airport personnel involved and voluntarily pay the ₦25,000 parking fine. He added that if Obi fails to comply within one week, he will direct the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to take further action in accordance with the law.