Ekemini Udim, a senior partner at Justice Chambers, has presented a legal perspective on why presidential candidate Peter Obi is unlikely to apologize or pay a N25,000 fine following a parking dispute at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
This demand originated from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, who alleged that surveillance footage confirmed Obi’s vehicle was left unattended in a prohibited zone on July 4, 2026. Keyamo asserted that the vehicle was clamped by security personnel and released only after the politician intervened via telephone. The minister subsequently called for a formal public apology and the payment of a penalty.
However, Udim argues that Keyamo lacks the judicial authority to declare anyone guilty or impose fines, as such power rests solely with the courts. The lawyer cited established legal precedents, noting that regulatory agencies are not courts of law and cannot unilaterally enforce financial penalties on motorists.
Furthermore, Udim highlighted the legal principle of personal criminal liability. He emphasized that accountability is not transferable; if Obi was not the person operating the vehicle, he cannot be held responsible for the driver’s actions. Based on this, the lawyer concluded that insisting on an apology or payment from the politician is legally misplaced if he was merely a passenger during the incident.
