Obi made the demand in a statement in which he expressed concern over Olawale’s arrest, describing the incident as part of a pattern of harassment against Nigerians who support his political aspirations.
The former Anambra State governor also called for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Olawale’s arrest, insisting that his rights must be respected and that political differences should not become a basis for intimidation.
He further urged President Bola Tinubu to protect Nigeria’s democratic principles, arguing that the right of citizens to support candidates of their choice must be guaranteed irrespective of their political affiliations.
“The continued intimidation and harassment of my supporters across the country, the latest being the case of Rilwan Olawale, is disturbing and unacceptable,” Obi said.
He added that Tinubu, whom he described as a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s democratic system, should not preside over actions that could undermine the country’s democratic values.
“President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence,” he stated.
Obi’s remarks come amid growing political activities and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and their supporters intensify efforts to build public support.
The former presidential candidate maintained that his political campaign was centred on peaceful engagement and policy issues rather than confrontation. He said his objective was to offer Nigerians an alternative based on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.
According to him, his supporters have chosen peaceful participation in the democratic process and would not be deterred by alleged attempts to intimidate them.
“Our campaign is peaceful and issue-driven, focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative built on competence, accountability, justice, and compassion,” he said.
Obi stressed that his commitment to civility should not be interpreted as weakness or an unwillingness to defend the democratic rights of his supporters.
“We have chosen the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation. However, nobody should mistake our civility for weakness, our restraint for fear, or our commitment to peace for an absence of resolve,” he declared.
He further maintained that neither he nor his supporters would be forced into silence or abandon their political aspirations because of intimidation.
“We will not be intimidated into silence, nor will we abandon Nigerians who believe in a New Nigeria that is possible and will be OK,” Obi added.
The former governor specifically demanded that the authorities provide a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding Olawale’s arrest, ensure that his rights are protected and bring an end to what he described as politically motivated harassment.
He argued that Nigeria’s democratic system must allow citizens to express their political preferences freely without fear of persecution.
“No government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians the freedom to support a candidate of their choice,” Obi said.
He also reiterated that his political movement would continue to pursue its objectives through lawful and peaceful means, even as it challenges actions it considers violations of democratic rights.
“We will remain peaceful but resolute. We will not resort to violence, but we will stand firmly and lawfully against every attempt to undermine our democratic rights,” he stated.
Obi concluded with a renewed expression of confidence in his vision for the country, maintaining that a better Nigeria remained achievable through responsible leadership, respect for citizens’ rights and commitment to democratic principles.
“A New Nigeria is POssible and will be OK,” he said.
The statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of Olawale’s arrest, the authority responsible for his detention or any formal charges against him. The allegations of harassment and political intimidation were presented by Obi, and further information from the relevant authorities would be needed to establish the facts surrounding the case.
