Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), issued a stern condemnation against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, October 26, 2026, accusing the administration of weakening democratic norms and facilitating political violence following the arrest of party campaigner Rilwan Olawale. ​The friction escalated after Department of State Services (DSS) operatives arrested Olawale in Lagos on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Addressing newsmen and the public from Abuja on Monday morning, Obi demanded transparency surrounding the arrest, immediate access to legal representation, and Olawale’s prompt release, describing the detainment as part of a disturbing nationwide campaign of political intimidation. ​Directly challenging the President’s democratic credentials, Obi pointed out that Tinubu himself was a major beneficiary of the nation’s political struggle and urged him not to dismantle the very democratic framework that enabled his rise.
Obi declared that President Tinubu should not brazenly destroy democracy by encouraging and facilitating violence against opposition figures. ​Setting out the stance of his political movement, Obi stressed that his supporters have deliberately chosen a path of non-violent engagement. He affirmed that their campaign remains issue-driven and rooted in principles of competence, accountability, justice, and compassion. While the NDC continues to favor persuasion over intimidation and peace over conflict, Obi delivered a direct warning to the ruling party, emphasizing that their civility must never be mistaken for weakness, their restraint for fear, or their commitment to peace for a lack of resolve.
​The NDC candidate stated firmly that neither he nor his supporters would be intimidated into silence or dissuaded from pursuing a reformed governance model. Asserting that no government or political party holds the authority to deny citizens their constitutional right to align with candidates of their choice, Obi vowed that his movement will stand firmly and lawfully against any attempts to subvert democratic rights in Nigeria. ​
As of Monday afternoon, presidential spokespersons Bayo Onanuga and Ajuri Ngelale have not issued a formal response to Obi’s statement, though federal officials routinely maintain that law enforcement actions are conducted independently of political influence.
