Obi demands release of supporter, condemns harassment

Abimbola Joseph

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

Obi made the demand in a statement following reports that Olawale, an NDC supporter and Obidient movement mobiliser, was taken from his Lagos residence in the early hours of Sunday by men who identified themselves as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The circumstances surrounding the reported arrest and Olawale’s whereabouts were initially unclear.

Describing the incident as “disturbing and unacceptable”, Obi called on the authorities to disclose details of the alleged arrest, ensure that Olawale’s fundamental rights were protected and secure his immediate release.

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

The former presidential candidate accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of undermining democratic principles through what he alleged was the intimidation of political opponents and their supporters.

Obi maintained that his political movement remained committed to peaceful, issue-based engagement, with a focus on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.

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

He warned, however, that his commitment to peaceful political participation should not be mistaken for weakness, insisting that neither he nor his supporters would be intimidated into silence.

Obi also argued that Nigerians had the right 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 said.

He vowed that his supporters would continue to pursue their political objectives through lawful means while resisting any attempt to undermine their democratic rights.

“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 added.