Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential candidate and prominent political figure, has declared that pro-democracy forces across Nigeria will actively resist any attempt by President Bola Tinubu to impose a one-party system, Peak Newspaper reports
This strong stance came after a strategic meeting with renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, on or around April 22, 2026.
Hashim, who has been linked to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and previously ran for president, issued the statement through his media office.
He framed the meeting as part of broader consultations with key stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s multi-party democratic framework, which has defined the Fourth Republic since the return to civilian rule in 1999 after years of military dictatorships.
In his statement, Hashim was direct: “We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule.”
He emphasized that pro-democracy forces nationwide stand ready to push back against any moves that could erode political pluralism and lead to de facto one-party dominance, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
The declaration reflects growing unease among opposition voices and civil society about recent political trends.
These include a wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the perceived weakening of platforms like the PDP, and debates over electoral competitiveness.
Analysts have warned that such developments risk reducing accountability and tilting the system toward dominance by a single party, echoing concerns from Nigeria’s authoritarian past.
While the statement names President Tinubu in connection with fears of a one-party agenda, it does not cite specific policies or actions as direct evidence.
Instead, it positions the resistance as a principled defense of constitutional multi-party democracy rather than a personal attack.
Hashim described Falana as a “long-standing ally” whose relationship with him spans more than 40 years, forged in shared struggles for justice, human rights, and resistance to oppression.
Their bond dates back to the late 1980s during military rule under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and involvement in the anti-apartheid movement.
Key highlights of their collaboration include:
– Anti-Apartheid Protest (January 7, 1988): As part of the Nigeria–ANC Friendship and Cultural Association, Hashim led a student contingent that defied security restrictions during the visit of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The protesters advanced onto the airport tarmac in Lagos. Five activists were arrested; Hashim paid tribute to the late Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze, and Rotimi Ewebiyi, noting that only two of the group remain alive today.
– Legal Battles Against Military Policies: In 1988, Falana served as Hashim’s pro bono lawyer in a lawsuit challenging Babangida’s Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which was widely criticized for its economic hardships.
– 1989 Detention and Constitutional Case: Hashim was detained during a landmark case against the Attorney General of the Federation. The legal team was led by Alao Aka-Bashorun, then President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
– Human Rights Work: Falana played a pivotal role in Hashim’s appointment as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, where he served under the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, a iconic activist.
Hashim stressed that this enduring partnership continues to focus on “defending democratic values, civil liberties, and political plurality.”
He affirmed his readiness to collaborate with like-minded actors to safeguard the nation’s democracy.
