Peter Obi Demands Release of Detained Supporter Rilwan Olawale, Warns Tinubu Against Destroying Democracy

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has demanded the immediate release of his supporter, Rilwan Olawale, while strongly warning President Bola Tinubu against the continued intimidation of opposition voices.

In a statement released on Monday, Obi condemned what he described as a rising wave of politically motivated harassment across Nigeria, declaring that his movement’s peaceful approach should never be mistaken for weakness.

Obi directed his criticism squarely at the presidency, pointing out that President Tinubu is a primary beneficiary of the country’s democratic framework and should not be seen destroying it.

“The continued intimidation and harassment of my supporters across the country, the latest being the case of Rilwan Olawale, is disturbing and unacceptable,” Obi stated. “President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence.”

‘Civility is Not Weakness’

Reaffirming the core values of his political movement, the former Anambra State governor emphasized that his campaign remains strictly peaceful, issue-driven, and focused on competence, justice, and accountability. However, he cautioned the ruling administration not to misinterpret this restraint.

“Nobody should mistake our civility for weakness, our restraint for fear, or our commitment to peace for an absence of resolve,” Obi states. “We will not be intimidated into silence, nor will we abandon Nigerians who believe in a New Nigeria.”

Obi called on full transparency from security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding Olawale’s arrest, insisting on the unconditional respect for the detainee’s fundamental human rights.

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