Olawepo-Hashim Launches Movement, Says Workers Hold Key to Nigeria’s Renewal

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, presidential candidate for the Accord Party and co-chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), has formally launched the movement, asserting that Nigeria's renewal hinges on its workers. He described organized labor as the indispensable force for rebuilding the nation's democracy and restoring accountable governance.

The launch event, held at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Labour House in Abuja, was a collaboration with the NLC FCT Council. It brought together labor coordinators, leaders, and democratic stakeholders to inaugurate the movement in the Federal Capital Territory and mobilize support for a nationwide campaign. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, Olawepo-Hashim stated that workers should be viewed as equal partners in governance, policy formulation, and national development, rather than solely as voters.

Olawepo-Hashim outlined the Movement's key priorities. These include expanding economic opportunities through entrepreneurship, technology, vocational skills, and agricultural value chains. The MDR also aims to improve access to quality education and digital literacy, strengthen affordable healthcare, protect citizens through institutional reforms, and promote leadership based on competence, integrity, and merit. He reaffirmed his confidence in the rule of law, despite ongoing legal proceedings concerning his presidential candidacy, urging supporters to remain peaceful and committed to democratic principles.

Comrade Stephen Nnabayi, Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, welcomed participants, calling the launch timely given Nigeria's significant socio-economic and political challenges. He stressed the need for organized labor to lead in defending democracy, protecting workers' rights, and advancing good governance. Comrade Nanman Philemon Kash presented the Movement's vision, explaining that MDR is a broad national coalition dedicated to democratic accountability, responsible leadership, transparency, social justice, workers' political participation, youth and women inclusion, national unity, and people-centered economic reforms. The Movement seeks to re-engage citizens with governance and foster ethical leadership to restore confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions.

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Nigeria cannot be renewed without its workers. Workers are not just voters; they are nation builders. They must become equal partners in governance, policy making and national development.