Peter Obi demands release of NDC mobiliser Rilwan Olawale, accuses Tinubu of undermining democracy

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirant Peter Obi has formally requested the prompt liberation of Rilwan Olawale, who serves as a political mobiliser for the party. Obi accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining democratic principles and facilitating violence against political opponents in a statement released on social media. The former Anambra State governor described the detention as part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting his supporters across the country.

Funso Doherty, the NDC’s gubernatorial aspirant in Lagos State, stated in a release that Olawale was removed from his Lagos home around 1:00 a.m.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026. According to Doherty, the detention was executed by armed individuals claiming to be agents of the Department of State Services (DSS). As of the latest reports, the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and Olawale’s current whereabouts remain unclear, with the DSS having not publicly commented on the detention or stated the reasons for it.

Background

Peter Obi was confirmed as the NDC’s presidential nominee for the 2027 general elections on May 29, 2026, after stepping down from the African Democratic Congress on May 2, 2026. Rilwan Olawale is identified as an NDC supporter associated with the Obidient movement, a group involved in mobilising grassroots support for Obi’s campaign. The arrest occurred while Olawale was actively engaged in these mobilisation efforts. Doherty stated that he is in contact with Olawale’s family and legal counsel to establish the facts of the case and secure access to the detainee. He further advised the populace to stay composed and refrain from conjecture while this situation remains unclear.

In his statement, Obi outlined four specific demands directed at the government. These include transparency regarding the circumstances of Olawale’s arrest, his immediate release, the respect of his rights as a citizen, and a cessation of what Obi characterised as politically motivated harassment of opposition supporters. Obi emphasised that his campaign is built on peaceful engagement and issue-based politics, focusing on competence, accountability, justice, and compassion. He cautioned that this peaceful approach should not be misinterpreted as weakness, stating that the movement’s civility and restraint do not signify a lack of resolve.

Why it matters

The incident has heightened tensions between the NDC and the federal government ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi directly challenged President Tinubu, alleging that the administration is brazenly destroying the democracy that benefited it. He maintained that neither the government nor any political entity possesses the power to stop Nigerians from freely selecting their preferred candidate. The NDC maintains that its supporters will not abandon their political activities due to intimidation and will continue to operate within the law. The lack of official comment from the DSS has led to calls for greater transparency, with the NDC alleging that the detention is politically motivated rather than based on criminal activity. The situation underscores the ongoing debates regarding the safety of political opponents and the scope of state security operations in Nigeria.

What happens next

Efforts are currently underway by Olawale’s family and legal counsel to determine the exact facts of his detention and to gain access to him. The NDC declared that it will persist in employing legal methods to safeguard the democratic liberties of its base. While no specific date for a resolution has been announced, the focus remains on securing Olawale’s release and obtaining official explanations from the security agencies involved.