Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for the immediate release of one of his supporters, Rilwan Olawale, alleging that the arrest is part of a wider pattern of intimidation against his supporters across the country.
In a statement posted on his official social media page, Obi condemned what he described as the continued harassment of his supporters and urged the authorities to respect their democratic rights.
“The continued intimidation and harassment of my supporters across the country, the latest being the case of Rilwan Olawale, is disturbing and unacceptable,” Obi said.
He also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of encouraging actions that could weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
“President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence,” he stated.
Obi insisted that his political movement remains peaceful and focused on offering Nigerians an alternative through good governance.
“Our campaign is peaceful and issue-driven, focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative built on competence, accountability, justice, and compassion,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that his supporters would continue to pursue their political goals peacefully despite what he described as intimidation.
“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. We will not be intimidated into silence, nor will we abandon Nigerians who believe in a New Nigeria that is possible and will be OK,” Obi added.
He demanded that the authorities make public the circumstances surrounding Olawale’s arrest and release him without delay.
“I therefore demand transparency regarding Rilwan Olawale’s arrest, his release, respect for his rights, and an end to politically motivated harassment. No government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians the freedom to support a candidate of their choice,” he said.
Obi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peaceful political engagement.
“We will remain peaceful but resolute. We will not resort to violence, but we will stand firmly and lawfully against every attempt to undermine our democratic rights. A New Nigeria is POssible and will be OK,” he declared.
