The presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the reported attack on human rights activist, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, and other protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democratic future.
Hashim, who is also the Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), said that the right to peaceful protest, free expression, and civic participation are fundamental elements of democracy and must not be undermined.
He warned that democracy cannot survive where citizens are intimidated for demanding accountability or expressing concerns about governance.
According to him, Democracy Day should not only mark the return to civilian rule, but also serve as a reminder of the responsibility to protect democratic values, including freedom of expression, justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
‘Democracy is strengthened when citizens can freely speak, organise, and demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Any attempt to suppress these freedoms weakens democracy itself’, Hashim said.
The presidential candidate, who recently became co-chair of MDR alongside President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajero, said the movement was established to defend Nigeria’s democratic space and prevent any drift towards authoritarianism.
He also condemned what he described as Sowore’s continued harassment, including the seizure of his passport, which he said remains unresolved despite legal interventions.
Hashim said that MDR would continue to mobilise democratic forces, civil society, labour, and citizens committed to protecting democratic institutions and expanding civic freedoms.
‘Nigeria must not return to an era where dissent is treated as a crime and citizens are denied their democratic rights. The defence of democracy is the responsibility of all who believe in freedom and accountable leadership”, he said.
He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights while ensuring public order.
