Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has demanded the immediate release of his supporter, Rilwan Olawale, accusing the government of allowing opposition supporters to face harassment and intimidation.
Obi made the demand in a Facebook post, describing the alleged intimidation as disturbing and unacceptable. He urged President Bola Tinubu to protect Nigeria’s democracy and prevent actions that could encourage political violence.
The former Anambra State governor also called for transparency over Olawale’s arrest. He demanded respect for the supporter’s fundamental rights and an end to what he described as politically motivated harassment.
“Civility is not weakness. Enough of the harassment of my supporters. Release Rilwan Olawale now,” Obi declared.
Obi Demands Release of Rilwan Olawale
Obi maintained that his political movement remained peaceful and focused on presenting Nigerians with an alternative based on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.
He said the NDC had chosen persuasion over intimidation and peace over violence. However, he warned that his commitment to peaceful engagement should not be mistaken for weakness or fear.
“We have chosen the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation. However, nobody should mistake our civility for weakness, our restraint for fear, or our commitment to peace for an absence of resolve,” he said.
The NDC candidate also vowed that neither he nor his supporters would allow intimidation to silence them or derail their pursuit of what they describe as a New Nigeria.
Obi Warns Against Political Intimidation
Obi said his movement would continue to defend Nigerians’ democratic rights through lawful means. He also rejected violence as a response to any alleged attempt to suppress opposition activities.
The former governor stressed that Nigerians must remain free to support candidates of their choice without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“No government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians the freedom to support a candidate of their choice,” he stated.
He reiterated his commitment to peaceful political engagement while warning against any attempt to undermine the democratic rights of his supporters.
Arrest Details Remain Unclear
Obi’s demand comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with political activities gathering momentum.
However, his Facebook post did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding Olawale’s arrest or the reasons for his detention.
The post also did not include a response from the relevant authorities.
Obi’s demand for Olawale’s release has placed renewed attention on concerns about political freedom, opposition activities and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights ahead of the elections.