The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded immediate release of his supporter, Rilwan Olawale, and condemned what he described as continued intimidation and harassment of his supporters across the country.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, said the latest case involving Olawale is disturbing and unacceptable, alleging that supporters are being targeted for backing his movement.
He said President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of democracy and should not be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence.
According to him, his campaign is peaceful and issue driven, focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative built on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.
He said they have chosen a path of peace not violence and persuasion not intimidation, warning that nobody should mistake civility for weakness, restraint for fear or commitment to peace for absence of resolve.
He said they will not be intimidated into silence nor abandon Nigerians who believe in New Nigeria that is possible.
Obi demanded transparency regarding the arrest of Olawale, his release, respect for his rights and end to politically motivated harassment, stressing that no government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians freedom to support candidates of their choice.
He added that they will remain peaceful but resolute and will not resort to violence but will stand firmly and lawfully against every attempt to undermine democratic rights.
He concluded that New Nigeria is possible and will be OK.
