Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded the immediate release of his supporter and political mobiliser, Rilwan Olawale, following reports that he was taken from his residence in Lagos by men who identified themselves as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, Obi condemned what he described as the continued intimidation and harassment of his supporters across the country, saying the reported incident involving Olawale was “disturbing and unacceptable.”
Olawale, an NDC supporter associated with the Obidient movement, was reportedly taken from his Lagos residence at about 1 a.m. on Sunday, October 25. The alarm was initially raised by Funso Doherty, the NDC governorship candidate in Lagos State, who said armed men claiming to be DSS operatives had taken Olawale away.
Doherty said the circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear and that there was no official confirmation of Olawale’s exact whereabouts at the time. He added that the family and legal counsel were working to establish the facts and secure access to him.
As of the latest reports, the DSS had not publicly confirmed or denied that Olawale was in its custody, while the reason for the reported arrest had also not been officially disclosed. Consequently, claims that the incident was politically motivated remain allegations requiring clarification by the relevant authorities.
Reacting to the development, Obi accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to uphold the democratic values from which he had benefited politically.
“President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that his political campaign remains peaceful and issue-driven, with a focus on presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative founded on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.
According to Obi, his supporters have deliberately chosen peaceful political engagement rather than confrontation.
“We have chosen the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation,” he stated, warning that their commitment to civility should not be interpreted as weakness or fear.
Obi said neither he nor his supporters would be intimidated into silence or abandon Nigerians who believe that a better country is possible.
The development comes as political activities and mobilisation intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The reported Olawale incident has consequently renewed discussions about political freedoms, the rights of opposition supporters and the responsibility of security agencies to operate within the law.
Obi therefore demanded transparency regarding Olawale’s reported arrest, respect for his fundamental rights, his release and an end to what he described as politically motivated harassment.
He further maintained that no government or political party should prevent Nigerians from freely supporting the candidate or political platform of their choice.
The NDC presidential candidate reiterated that his movement would remain peaceful but resolute, insisting that it would not respond to alleged intimidation with violence.
“We will not resort to violence, but we will stand firmly and lawfully against every attempt to undermine our democratic rights,” he said.
For now, questions remain over Olawale’s whereabouts, the identity of those who took him, whether he is being held by the DSS or another authority, and the legal basis for the reported detention. An official clarification from the relevant security authorities would help establish the facts and address growing concerns among his family, supporters and the wider public.
Obi concluded with a reaffirmation of the political vision underpinning his campaign:
“A New Nigeria is Possible and will be OK.” — PO
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