Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, has urged Nigerian elites and political leaders not to harass and intimidate but to support Air Peace and other local businesses.

Mr Obi, who in a post on X on Saturday, said he boarded a Lagos–London Air Peace flight, lauded the airline for its professionalism, consistency, and competence.

“I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerian elites and political leaders to give strong and deliberate support to indigenous businesses,” Mr Obi said.

He added, “It is never easy to run any business in our difficult environment, let alone highly capital-intensive sectors like air and land transportation, especially given the challenges of competitiveness and rising operational costs.”

Calling for support and patronage for local businesses, Mr Obi said, “Nigerian businesses need our encouragement and patronage, not harassment or unnecessary intimidation. Supporting local businesses, particularly those that create massive employment, is critical for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable national development.”

The former Anambra governor’s support and promotion of Air Peace came amid the airline’s altercation with All Progressives Congress chieftain, Adams Oshiomhole.

Earlier in the week, Air Peace accused Mr Oshiomhole of disrupting activities at their office in the airport after he came late for his flight.

However, Mr Oshiomhole accused the airline of extorting passengers, saying the disruption he was accused of causing was because he stood up for the rights of other passengers the airline allegedly extorted.