Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged intimidation and harassment of his supporters across Nigeria, demanding the immediate release of Rilwan Olawale.
Obi described the alleged harassment as disturbing and unacceptable, warning that the country’s democratic principles must not be undermined by political intolerance.
In a statement on Monday, the former Anambra State governor said President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a beneficiary of democracy, should not support actions capable of weakening democratic institutions through violence and intimidation.
He maintained that his political movement remained committed to peaceful engagement and issue-based campaigning, with a focus on providing Nigerians with an alternative founded on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.
Obi stressed that his commitment to peace should not be interpreted as weakness, insisting that he would neither be intimidated into silence nor abandon supporters who shared his vision of building a better Nigeria.
“We have chosen the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation,” he said, adding that his movement would remain peaceful but determined in defending the democratic rights of Nigerians.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Is Not Our Best — Umahi Questions South-East Presidential Choice
The former presidential candidate demanded transparency over the circumstances surrounding 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, arguing that no government or political party had the right to prevent Nigerians from supporting candidates of their choice.
Obi further pledged that his supporters would continue to pursue their political aspirations through lawful means, while resisting any attempt to suppress their democratic freedoms.
Reaffirming his commitment to the movement, he declared that a new Nigeria remained possible and expressed confidence that the country could achieve a better future.