The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged intimidation and harassment of his supporters across Nigeria, demanding the immediate release of Rilwan Olawale and calling for respect for citizens’ democratic rights.
Obi described the situation as “disturbing and unacceptable,” insisting that Nigerians should be free to support candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or politically motivated harassment.
“Civility is not weakness. Enough of the harassment of my supporters. Release Rilwan Olawale now,” Obi declared.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of undermining democratic principles despite benefiting significantly from the country’s democratic system.
“President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence,” he said.
Obi maintained that his campaign remained peaceful and focused on presenting Nigerians with an alternative built on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.
According to him, his political movement has chosen “the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation,” warning that his commitment to peaceful engagement should not be mistaken for weakness or fear.
“Nobody should mistake our civility for weakness, our restraint for fear, or our commitment to peace for an absence of resolve,” he said, adding that he would not be intimidated into silence or abandon Nigerians who believe in the possibility of a New Nigeria.
Obi demanded transparency regarding Olawale’s arrest, his immediate release and respect for his fundamental rights. He also called for an end to what he described as politically motivated harassment.
He argued that no government or political party had the right to prevent Nigerians from exercising their freedom to support a candidate of their choice.
Reaffirming his commitment to peaceful political engagement, Obi said he would not resort to violence but would stand firmly and lawfully against attempts to undermine democratic rights.
“A New Nigeria is POssible and will be OK,” he added.
