Peter Obi to Tinubu: Release my supporter, Rilwan Olawale, now

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has demanded the immediate release of his supporter, Rilwan Olawale, while accusing the government of allowing the harassment and intimidation of opposition supporters across the country.

Obi, in a Facebook post, described the alleged continued intimidation of his supporters as disturbing and unacceptable, insisting that President Bola Tinubu should not undermine Nigeria’s democracy through actions that encourage or facilitate political violence.

The former Anambra State governor called for transparency over Olawale’s arrest, respect for his 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.

He maintained that his campaign was peaceful and issue-driven, with a focus on presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative built on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.

According to him, the NDC has chosen persuasion over intimidation and peace over violence, warning that its commitment to peaceful political 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.

Obi further vowed that he and his supporters would not be intimidated into silence or abandon their quest for what he described as a New Nigeria.

He said the movement would continue to defend the democratic rights of Nigerians through lawful means, while rejecting violence as a response to any alleged attempt to suppress opposition activities.

The NDC presidential candidate also stressed that Nigerians should be free to support any candidate 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.

Obi reiterated his commitment to peaceful political engagement but warned that he and his supporters would stand firmly against any attempt to undermine their democratic rights.

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The demand comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political parties and candidates intensifying activities ahead of the polls.

However, details surrounding Olawale’s arrest, including the circumstances leading to his detention and the response of the relevant authorities, were not provided in Obi’s post.