“Enough of the Harassment of My Supporters, Release Rilwan Olawale Now” – Obi

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has demanded the immediate release of party supporter Rilwan Olawale, while condemning what he described as the continued intimidation and harassment of his supporters across the country.

Obi made the demand in a statement following reports concerning Olawale, an NDC supporter and mobiliser associated with the Obidient movement.

Reports on Sunday indicated that Olawale was allegedly taken from his Lagos residence in the early hours of the day by men who identified themselves as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). His whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the reported incident were initially unclear.

Obi described the development as “disturbing and unacceptable”, demanding transparency over Olawale’s arrest, his immediate release and respect for his fundamental rights.

The NDC presidential candidate also called for an end to what he described as politically motivated harassment of his supporters.

“Civility is not weakness. Enough of the harassment of my supporters. Release Rilwan Olawale now,” Obi said.

He accused President Bola Tinubu of being a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s democratic system but alleged that his administration was undermining democracy by encouraging or facilitating violence and intimidation.

Obi said his campaign remained peaceful and issue-driven, with a focus on providing Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative built on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.

“We have chosen the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate, however, warned that his commitment to peaceful political engagement should not be interpreted as weakness or fear.

He said his movement would not be intimidated into silence or abandon Nigerians who believe in the possibility of a “New Nigeria.”

Obi demanded that authorities provide clear information about Olawale’s arrest and ensure that his rights were protected.

“No government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians the freedom to support a candidate of their choice,” he said.

He further maintained that political supporters should be allowed to participate in peaceful campaigns without intimidation, stressing that his movement would continue to pursue its objectives through lawful means.

“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,” Obi said.