RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded the immediate release of party supporter Rilwan Olawale following reports that he was taken from his Lagos residence by men claiming to be security operatives.
Obi also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of encouraging political intimidation, alleging that opposition supporters were increasingly being targeted for exercising their democratic rights.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the former Anambra State governor described Olawale’s reported arrest as disturbing and unacceptable.
He maintained that Nigerians should be free to support political parties and candidates without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence.
Obi accused Tinubu of undermining democratic principles, although he provided no publicly verified evidence directly linking the President to Olawale’s reported arrest.
He described his political movement as peaceful and committed to issue-based engagement, insisting that its supporters would continue pursuing their objectives through lawful means.
The NDC candidate demanded transparency regarding Olawale’s whereabouts, an explanation of the circumstances surrounding his reported arrest and respect for his fundamental rights.
He also called for an end to what he described as politically motivated harassment of opposition supporters.
The controversy began on Sunday when the NDC’s Lagos State governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, raised concerns over Olawale’s reported disappearance.
According to Doherty, armed men who identified themselves as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly took Olawale from his residence at approximately 1 a.m. on October 25.
Doherty described Olawale as an active NDC supporter associated with the Obidient movement.
He disclosed that he was communicating with Olawale’s family and legal representatives to establish his whereabouts and secure access to him.
The governorship candidate urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while efforts continued to clarify the incident.
As of Monday, there had been no publicly confirmed explanation from the DSS regarding the reported operation or the legal basis for any detention.
The identity of those responsible, Olawale’s location and the circumstances surrounding his reported arrest had also not been independently established.
The development has raised renewed concerns among opposition figures about political freedoms and the treatment of party supporters ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi maintained that his supporters would continue their political activities peacefully while seeking lawful protection of their constitutional rights.
