Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo (SAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Peter Obi, demanding a public apology and retraction over comments relating to an incident at an airport. Keyamo described Obi’s claims as false and defamatory, warning that legal action would follow if the former Anambra governor failed to comply within the stipulated period.
A fresh political and legal confrontation is brewing between the Federal Government and Peter Obi after Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo demanded that the opposition presidential candidate publicly apologise over remarks concerning an airport incident.
In a letter made public on Friday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria accused Obi of making misleading allegations capable of damaging his reputation and that of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
According to Keyamo, Obi has seven days to withdraw the statements, publish an apology and meet other demands outlined in the letter.
The minister also demanded payment of ₦25,000, reportedly being the parking fine connected to the airport incident, maintaining that Obi violated established airport procedures.
Keyamo argued that public office holders and political leaders have a responsibility to verify facts before making allegations capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions.
The dispute follows public exchanges over an incident involving Peter Obi at an airport, with both sides presenting differing accounts of what transpired.
The development comes as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2027 general election, with legal threats and public exchanges increasingly becoming part of the wider contest between the ruling party and opposition figures.
Keyamo warned that failure to issue the requested apology within seven days would leave him with no option but to pursue legal remedies.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi had not publicly responded to the minister’s ultimatum.
The latest exchange adds another layer to the growing political rivalry ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether the matter is resolved through a public apology or proceeds to court could shape the next phase of the dispute between the aviation minister and the opposition presidential candidate.