A prominent Nigerian broadcaster has publicly accused the federal government of orchestrating a campaign of political persecution against Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress. Rufai Oseni, anchor of Arise TV’s flagship morning programme, made the explosive claim while discussing recent allegations that Obi violated airport parking regulations, charges brought forward by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. The controversy has reignited debates about the treatment of opposition figures in Nigeria’s charged political landscape.
During a broadcast of The Morning Show on Monday, Oseni did not mince words in his assessment of the situation. “You will be a blind man to say that there is no political persecution of Peter Obi. Their reactions just confirmed it,” he declared. The television host pointed to what he characterized as a pattern of selective enforcement and disproportionate responses to minor infractions allegedly committed by the opposition leader. His comments came after Keyamo publicly demanded an apology from Obi over the parking incident, a request that many observers viewed as unusually aggressive for such a routine matter.
Oseni bolstered his argument by citing previous incidents that he believes demonstrate inconsistent application of rules and regulations. He referenced a case involving popular musician KWAM 1, who allegedly stood in front of an aircraft without facing similar governmental scrutiny or demands for public apology. The broadcaster suggested that had Obi committed such an act, the response would have been far more severe and potentially deilizing. This comparison, he argued, illustrates the double standards at play in how authorities handle incidents involving the presidential candidate versus other public figures.
Adding weight to his persecution claims, Oseni recalled controversial remarks made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo in August 2025. According to the broadcaster, Okpebholo warned Obi against entering Edo State without obtaining prior security clearance, an unprecedented restriction on the movement of a presidential candidate. “We were still in this country when Governor Okpebholo said Peter Obi should not enter Edo State without security clearance. Is that not political persecution?” Oseni asked rhetorically. Such restrictions on political movement are typically associated with authoritarian governance and raise serious questions about democratic freedoms in the country.
Minister Keyamo has not yet responded to Oseni’s allegations of political persecution, though his office has maintained that the airport parking matter is purely a regulatory issue. Aviation officials insist that all airport users, regardless of political status, must comply with elished protocols and procedures. However, critics argue that the public nature of the minister’s rebuke and the demand for a personal apology from Obi suggest motivations beyond simple regulatory enforcement. Political analysts note that such high profile confrontations between government ministers and opposition leaders often serve to test public sentiment and gauge support ahead of elections.
As Nigeria moves c to the 2027 presidential election, incidents like these are likely to multiply and intensify. Obi, who performed strongly in the previous election and commands significant support particularly among younger voters, represents a genuine threat to the ruling elishment. Whether the current controversy constitutes legitimate regulatory enforcement or calculated political intimidation will likely remain a matter of partisan interpretation. What is certain, however, is that the eyes of both domestic and international observers will be watching closely to ensure that all candidates can compete on a level playing field. How the government handles such accusations in the coming months may well determine the credibility of the entire electoral process.
Leave a comment