Nigeria’s pro-democracy groups, led by former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Hashim, have pledged to resist any attempt to establish a one-party system in the country. The commitment came after a meeting with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, as part of ongoing consultations with key stakeholders to preserve Nigeria’s multi-party democratic framework.
“We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” Hashim stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining political plurality in the nation.
The alliance between Hashim and Falana spans over four decades, rooted in shared activism and a pursuit of justice. Their collaboration includes involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle under the Nigeriaā€“ANC Friendship and Cultural Association. Hashim recalled a significant protest on January 7, 1988, during former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s visit, where he led students in defying security restrictions at the airport tarmac, resulting in the arrest of five activists. He paid tribute to those involved, noting that only two are still alive, while Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze, and Rotimi Ewebiyi have passed away.
Hashim’s history of legal resistance against military rule includes a 1988 lawsuit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme under the regime of Ibrahim Babangida, with Falana serving as his pro bono counsel. He also referenced his detention in 1989 during a constitutional case against the Attorney General of the Federation, handled by a legal team led by Alao Aka-Bashorun. Falana played a significant role in Hashim’s emergence as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, where he worked under the late Beko Ransome-Kuti.
The former presidential candidate stressed that their longstanding alliance remains committed to defending democratic principles, civil liberties, and political plurality in Nigeria. This position reflects growing concerns among pro-democracy advocates over the country’s political direction. Hashim expressed his readiness to work with like-minded stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic system, underscoring the importance of maintaining a multi-party structure in the face of potential threats to the nation’s democratic fabric.
