The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded the immediate release of Rilwan Olawale over his reported arrest, while accusing President Bola Tinubu of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, where he condemned what he described as the continued intimidation and harassment of his supporters across the country.

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over Olawale’s case, demanding transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and respect for his fundamental rights.

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“Civility is not weakness. Enough of the harassment of my supporters. Release Rilwan Olawale now.” Obi wrote.

He also criticised Tinubu, arguing that the President, whom he described as a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s democratic system, should not support actions that could undermine 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 maintained that his political campaign was peaceful and focused on offering Nigerians an alternative built on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.

According to him, his approach to politics is based on peaceful engagement and persuasion rather than violence and intimidation.

“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 said.

The former presidential candidate added that neither he nor his supporters would be intimidated into silence or abandon their pursuit of what he described as a New Nigeria.

Obi subsequently demanded transparency over Olawale’s reported arrest, his release and respect for his rights, while calling for an end to what he characterised as politically motivated harassment.

He stressed that every Nigerian should have the freedom to support a political candidate of their choice without intimidation or interference.

“No government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians the freedom to support a candidate of their choice,” Obi added.

Reaffirming his commitment to peaceful political engagement, Obi said he and his supporters would continue to defend their democratic rights through lawful means.

“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.

He concluded by reiterating his optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring that a better country remained possible.

“A New Nigeria is possible and will be OK,” Obi said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.

The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

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Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.

During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.

The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.

He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.

Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.

According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

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The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.

Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.

He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.

The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.

He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.

According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.

Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.

He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.

Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy

Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.

He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.

The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.

Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.

He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.

The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.

Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.