The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to protect Nigeria’s democracy, accusing him of allowing actions that could undermine the democratic process.

Obi made the remarks in a post on his verified X handle on Monday while demanding the immediate release of Rilwan Olawale, an NDC political mobiliser reportedly arrested at his residence in Lagos.

Condemning the reported arrest, the former Anambra State governor described it as an attack on democracy and opposition voices, warning against the use of security agencies to intimidate political opponents.

“Stop destroying the democracy that made you. President Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence,” Obi wrote.

He argued that political opponents should not be subjected to harassment or intimidation, stressing that democratic principles require respect for political differences and the rights of citizens to participate freely in the political process.

Obi further warned that political thuggery and violence could weaken democratic institutions and threaten the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called for an end to practices capable of creating fear among opposition members, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from actions that could restrict political participation.

The reported arrest of Olawale has brought renewed attention to concerns over the treatment of opposition figures as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi’s intervention underscores the growing political debate over opposition rights, the conduct of security agencies and the need to ensure that political disagreements are resolved within the framework of the law and democratic principles.