Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has condemned the assault on activist Omoyele Sowore during Democracy Day protests. The Accord Party presidential candidate called the incident a dangerous sign for Nigeria's future.
Sowore and other demonstrators were attacked while exercising their right to peaceful assembly. Hashim described the violence as deeply troubling for the nation's democratic health.
He stressed that free expression and civic participation form the backbone of any functioning democracy. Without these freedoms, he warned, democracy cannot survive.
"Citizens must never face intimidation for seeking accountability from leaders," Hashim told reporters. Suppressing dissent weakens democracy itself, he added.
Democracy Day should remind Nigerians of their duty to protect core democratic values. These include freedom of expression, justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Hashim recently became co-chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal alongside NLC President Joe Ajero. The movement was created specifically to defend Nigeria's democratic space.
He also targeted what he called the ongoing persecution of Sowore. Security agents seized the activist's passport, an action Hashim said remains unresolved despite court cases.
"We will not allow Nigeria to drift towards authoritarianism," Hashim declared. MDR plans to mobilize civil society, labour unions, and ordinary citizens committed to protecting democratic freedoms.
He urged security agencies to respect constitutional rights while maintaining public order. The balance between these two concerns is crucial, according to him.
Hashim warned against returning to an era when dissent was treated as criminal activity. "The defence of democracy belongs to all who believe in freedom," he said.
Anyone committed to accountable leadership must stand against attacks on protesters. Nigeria's future depends on protecting these democratic principles now.
