The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the alleged intimidation of opposition voices, urging him to respect the democratic principles that paved the way for his emergence as Nigeria’s leader.

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.

The former Anambra State governor condemned the reported arrest, describing it as an attack on democracy and a troubling development for political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“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 also expressed concern over the alleged use of security agencies to harass and intimidate political opponents, insisting that democratic institutions must protect citizens’ rights rather than be deployed against dissenting voices.

Obi warned that political violence, thuggery and the intimidation of opposition members could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

He maintained that the freedom to organise, mobilise supporters and participate in political activities remains fundamental to a functioning democracy, stressing that opposition figures must be allowed to operate without fear of harassment.

The controversy surrounding Olawale’s reported arrest has further drawn attention to concerns over political tolerance, civil liberties and the protection of opposition activities in the build-up to the next general elections.

With the 2027 electoral contest approaching, the unfolding development places renewed focus on the responsibility of political leaders and security agencies to uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights and ensure that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open to all political parties.