Oct 27, 2026

Obi Warns: Nobody Has Monopoly of Rascality Amid Supporter Harassment

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has issued a firm warning to those harassing his supporters, declaring that nobody has the monopoly of rascality and that good behaviour should never be mistaken for weakness.

Speaking in a message widely circulated on Monday, Obi addressed the growing reports of intimidation targeting his followers and ordinary Nigerians who simply want better living conditions.

“For those harassing our supporters, innocent Nigerians who want food, humility and civility are not weaknesses. They are virtues. Nobody has the monopoly of rascality,” he said. “Good behaviour is not weakness; it is a virtue. I am warning and pleading with everybody. Enough is enough.”

The former Anambra State governor made the remarks amid rising political tensions as parties intensify activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His comments followed the recent arrest of one of his supporters, Rilwan Olawale, an incident Obi described as the latest example of what he called unacceptable harassment.

In a related statement, Obi demanded transparency over Olawale’s arrest and called for his immediate release. He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of encouraging political violence, noting that the President himself had been a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s democratic journey and should not undermine it.

Obi stressed that his campaign remains peaceful and issue-driven, built on competence, accountability, justice, and compassion.

He said his supporters had chosen the path of persuasion over intimidation but warned that restraint should not be read as fear or lack of resolve.

“We will not be intimidated into silence, nor will we abandon Nigerians who believe in a New Nigeria that is possible and will be OK,” he added. “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.”

The warning came as Obi also used a recent NDC event in Abuja to present certificates of return to party candidates and to criticize the current administration’s capacity to tackle the country’s challenges.

He reiterated his commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, insisting that Nigerians must be allowed to support candidates of their choice without fear.

With the 2027 polls drawing closer, Obi’s message has resonated among his base, many of whom see the statement as both a call for restraint and a signal that the opposition will not be cowed.