Olawepo-Hashim, Falana vow to resist one-party rule in Nigeria

In a significant declaration that resonates with the spirit of Nigeria's hard-won democracy, former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and legal luminary Femi Falana have united to champion the preservation of a multi-party system. Their joint stance, articulated following a crucial meeting, sends a clear message: any move towards a one-party state will be met with staunch resistance from pro-democracy forces across the nation. This commitment is not new; it is forged in decades of shared activism and a relentless pursuit of justice, as highlighted by Olawepo-Hashim.

Their alliance, spanning over four decades, has been a cornerstone in Nigeria's struggle for democratic freedoms. From the anti-apartheid movement to challenging military regimes and advocating for civil liberties, Hashim and Falana have consistently stood on the front lines. This enduring partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared vision for a just society, now turns its focus to safeguarding the political plurality that defines Nigeria's Fourth Republic.

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We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule.

As The Punch reports, this move is particularly poignant given Nigeria's history of military governance. The return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in an era of multi-party democracy, a system that has been sustained through successive elections. However, concerns about electoral integrity and the potential for political dominance persist. The declaration by Olawepo-Hashim and Falana serves as a vital reminder of the vigilance required to protect these democratic gains and ensure that Nigeria's political landscape remains vibrant and inclusive.

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We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule.