A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared that pro-democracy forces in Nigeria will resist any attempt to impose a one-party system on the country following a strategic meeting with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.
Olawepo-Hashim made the declaration after the meeting, which formed part of ongoing consultations with stakeholders on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, aimed at safeguarding the country’s multi-party political structure.
“We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” he said.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Media Office and made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday.
Olawepo-Hashim described Falana as a long-standing ally whose relationship with him spans over four decades, rooted in activism, resistance, and a shared commitment to justice.
He recalled their involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle under the Nigeria-ANC Friendship and Cultural Association, including a protest held on January 7, 1988, during the visit of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
He said he led a student contingent that defied security restrictions and advanced onto the airport tarmac in protest, an action that led to the arrest of five activists.
He paid tribute to those involved, noting that only two are still alive, while others, including Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze, and Rotimi Ewebiyi, have since passed on.
Olawepo-Hashim also highlighted his legal battles against military rule, including a 1988 suit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme under the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, in which Falana served as his pro bono lawyer.
He further referenced his 1989 detention in a constitutional case against the Attorney General of the Federation, handled by a legal team led by Alao Aka-Bashorun.
According to him, Falana also played a key role in his appointment as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, where he worked under the late Beko Ransome-Kuti.
He stressed that their alliance remains focused on defending democracy, civil liberties, and political pluralism in Nigeria, adding that consultations with like-minded stakeholders would continue.
Nigeria has operated a multi-party democratic system since 1999, following years of military rule. However, concerns have persisted over electoral credibility and the dominance of major political parties.
Recently, rising defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and internal challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have sparked debates about a possible drift toward a de facto one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Margaret ABAH
