Obi isn't above the law, owes an apology and a N25,000 penalty for improper parking — Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, is seeking an apology from Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and a N25,000 fine payment over an alleged parking infraction at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

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Keyamo's demand was made in a statement posted on his X platform on Friday, following an internal inquiry into Obi's claim that his vehicle's tyres were clamped unjustly at the airport, which was sparked by an incident on July 4, 2026.

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According to Keyamo, the investigation, backed by airport CCTV footage, revealed that Obi's vehicle was left unattended in a restricted area, prompting airport security to clamp the tyres, as the vehicle was parked in a zone where it was not supposed to be.

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Obi had arrived at the domestic wing of the Abuja airport on July 4, 2026, and left his vehicle after being dropped off by a police driver, who later returned briefly before leaving the vehicle unattended again, leading to the enforcement of parking regulations by airport security officials.

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The vehicle was eventually released after the driver contacted Obi, who spoke with an airport manager and requested the vehicle's release, but Keyamo claims the required fine was not paid before the vehicle was released, which is a point of contention.

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Leaving an unattended vehicle in a restricted airport zone for about 30 minutes is considered a security concern under international airport safety practices, according to Keyamo, who accuses Obi of misrepresenting the incident as a case of political persecution.

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Keyamo believes Obi, as a presidential aspirant, should have allowed the matter to be resolved through proper channels and should uphold the law and set an example, rather than presenting the incident as a case of political persecution.

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Keyamo described the incident as a clear case of an opposition candidate trying to stir up unnecessary sentiments for a wrongdoing committed by him and his driver, and he is now demanding that Obi issue a public apology to airport workers who were carrying out their duties.

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Obi is also being asked to return to the airport to pay the N25,000 fine for the alleged parking violation, and if these demands are not met within one week, Keyamo will give directives to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to take further action against him.

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Obi had previously alleged that the clamping of his vehicle's tyres at the airport was unjustified, describing it as part of a wider pattern of actions against him by the Federal Government, which he believes is targeted harassment.