₦airaland Forum

Accord Party presidential candidate and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the reported attack on human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and other protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democratic future.

Hashim said 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 NLC President 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 the continued harassment of Sowore, including the seizure of his passport, which he said remains unresolved despite legal interventions.

Hashim said 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.

Modebolal:
Nigeria needs more conversations about democratic renewal, accountability, and good governance.

opeldavid:
Nice one, enough of all these nonsense!!!
It's high time we taught these politicians and governors a big lesson. Power belongs to the people.

free2ryhme:
Una too like sycophancy

you ask yourself what is the essence of this award

free2ryhme:
na wetin una wan chop una dey find

lordm:
Man of the century self. If not for him the country would have been crying more

As it marks ten years of uninterrupted indigenous operations without external funding or foreign support, the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has named Aliko Dangote its "Man of the Decade," describing the industrialist as the individual whose contributions have done the most to strengthen the foundations of peace, prosperity, and self-reliance in Africa over the last ten years.

The announcement was made by PeacePro Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, as part of the organization's 10th anniversary celebrations.

According to Hamzat, the recognition is based on PeacePro's conviction that peace is not sustained by security interventions alone, but by the strength of the economic and social foundations upon which societies are built.

"Peace is not merely the absence of war," Hamzat said. "Peace is built when nations can feed themselves, power themselves, employ their citizens, build industries, create opportunities, and inspire confidence in the future. These are the foundations of peace, and no African has strengthened those foundations more profoundly in the last decade than Aliko Dangote."

Hamzat explained that PeacePro's conclusion was informed by the philosophy underpinning its flagship Nigeria Peace Index project, which measures peace beyond conventional security indicators by examining structural factors such as productive capacity, economic resilience, employment generation, energy security, food security, and social stability.

"In the final analysis, peace is strongest where prosperity is possible," he said. "Factories are peace infrastructure. Refineries are peace infrastructure. Farms are peace infrastructure. Jobs are peace infrastructure. Productive economies are peace infrastructure."

At a time when many African countries remain heavily dependent on imports and vulnerable to external economic shocks, Dangote pursued one of the most ambitious industrialization agendas in modern African history.

His investments across manufacturing, cement, agriculture, logistics, and energy have transformed entire sectors of the economy while expanding Africa's productive capacity and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.

PeacePro described the Dangote Refinery as one of the most consequential nation-building achievements on the African continent in recent decades, arguing that its implications extend far beyond business and into the realms of economic sovereignty, energy security, industrial development, strategic independence, and long term national stability.

"What distinguishes Dangote is not wealth," Hamzat said. "Africa has produced wealthy men before. What distinguishes him is the scale of his commitment to productive capacity. He invested where others traded. He built where others imported. He pursued transformation where others pursued transactions. That is why his impact transcends business and enters the realm of nation-building."

As PeacePro celebrates ten years of indigenous peacebuilding, conflict prevention, research, and advocacy, the organization says its decision to honour Dangote reflects a broader understanding of what it means to build peace.

"For ten years, we have worked to prevent conflict and promote stability," Hamzat said. "But we also recognize that those who build the foundations of prosperity are helping to build the foundations of peace.

The industrialist who creates jobs, expands productive capacity, strengthens energy security, and reduces dependency is contributing to peace no less than the mediator who resolves disputes."

He described the recognition as more than an award. "It is a statement," Hamzat concluded.

"A statement that nation-building matters. A statement that productive capacity matters. A statement that economic sovereignty matters. A statement that those who strengthen the foundations of peace deserve to be recognized.

For PeacePro, Aliko Dangote is the Man of the Decade because he represents the enduring idea that Africa can build, produce, innovate, and secure its future with its own hands."

Leaders, stakeholders, and longstanding members of the Accord Party in Osun State, including executives who were in the party long before Governor Ademola Adeleke joined its ranks, on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, insisting that no external influence can override the will of party members.

The declaration was made at a rally in Osogbo attended by party leaders, women groups, youth supporters, and grassroots members from across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Daniel Adedayo said the gathering was convened to formally reaffirm Olawepo-Hashim's mandate and send a clear message that Accord members in Osun remain firmly behind his presidential aspiration.

According to him, Olawepo-Hashim possesses the vision, experience, and national appeal required to provide the leadership Nigeria needs at this critical moment.

"Our gathering here today is to reaffirm our support for Olawepo-Hashim as the party's presidential candidate. He is the man Nigerians are waiting for, and we are ready to stand with him all the way," Adedayo said.

The party leaders rejected suggestions that support for Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election bid in the August 15 governorship election should translate into abandoning the party's presidential ambition.

"Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remains our presidential candidate. Nobody can trade away a mandate freely given by party members. The governorship election and the presidential election are separate matters," Adedayo declared.

Also speaking, the party's Women Leader, Rukayat Olanrewaju, described Olawepo-Hashim's emergence as a reflection of the confidence party members have in his leadership, integrity, and vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

She said party members in Osun State remain resolute in their support for his candidacy and would continue to mobilise grassroots support for his campaign ahead of the 2027 election.

Hundreds of supporters waved banners and placards in support of Olawepo-Hashim, chanting slogans and declaring their loyalty to what they described as the party's authentic presidential mandate.

The stakeholders urged the national leadership of the party to respect the wishes of members and uphold the principles of internal democracy, insisting that the mandate given to Olawepo-Hashim cannot be negotiated, substituted, or surrendered to external political interests.

The rally comes amid ongoing controversy over the Accord Party's presidential nomination process, with supporters maintaining that Olawepo-Hashim remains the validly elected and widely accepted choice of party members across the country.

Apcshit:
Thunder ⚡ wey go fire 🔥 you still dey do pressup

Tenses:
Obi won 12 states including lagos and Abuja. I didn't know that Obi's region have 12 states which includes lagos and Abuja.

You lack cense.

Tenses:
Let's SW vote for him so that he will reduce tinubu's block votes in SW.

Gbenga and Makinde doing the Lord's work for Nigeria.

Apcshit:
Thunder fire NLC for not supporting NDC

runningriot:
If I will vote today my vote might go to this man... I don't know the conviction I have on this man but I just like his charisma and ways of life! It might be difficult for him to succeed but the future holds more anticipation than today!

MemoriesAndMe:
Everyone wants to be president. Why cant these parties unite and bring a candidate tuat can comfortably be an opposition party? Each one of them wants to be president without proper structure. Let us know when its 1 million political parties in Nigeria and 1m presidential candidates.

Tenses:
Waste of votes and voter's time

All Unions, NGOs, Societies, Clubs and Associations should put their weights b3hind Peter Obi, the candidate of NDC.

You'd be doing the nation a great service.

Thank you all.

Organised labour, civil society leaders, politicians, youth groups, women leaders, and pro-democracy advocates on Wednesday joined forces with Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) was formally launched in Abuja.

The event drew hundreds of participants from across the country, united by a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and expanding citizen participation.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Dr. Steven Nabayi, said organised labour was working with Hashim because of his credibility, integrity, and long standing commitment to democratic practice in Nigeria.

He said Labour recognised him as a partner in advancing democratic values and protecting workers’ interests.

“We actually need such a movement because things are not going the right way in the country.

Nigerians need good governance, and wherever we see initiatives to promote good governance, we are part of it,” Nabayi said.

The launch featured labour leaders, civil society representatives, youth organisations, women groups, and political stakeholders who pledged support for democratic renewal and national development.

Addressing the gathering, Hashim said the Movement for Democratic Renewal was established to defend democracy, strengthen institutions, and ensure governance remains responsive to ordinary Nigerians.


He commended workers, youth groups, women leaders, and civil society actors for their commitment to democratic values and nation-building.

“Our democracy should be truly representative through free and fair elections. Workers must not be left behind,” Hashim said.

He warned that rising inflation and naira depreciation were eroding workers’ earnings, noting that wage increases lose value when purchasing power continues to fall.

He proposed policies to stabilise the currency, boost productivity, expand local production, and strengthen energy security through increased domestic refining capacity.

Hashim also urged deeper collaboration between labour, civil society, and true progressive political forces, saying organised labour has always played a central role in Nigeria’s democratic struggles.

“Labour and true progressive leaders must continue to work hand in hand to protect democracy and advance the interests of the people,” he said.

He further raised concerns over insecurity, calling for stronger protection of lives and property across the country.

According to organisers, MDR is a coalition of trade unionists, political actors, civil society groups, and citizens committed to democratic inclusion, electoral integrity, social justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

They said the movement was launched in response to concerns over shrinking civic space, weakening institutions, and declining public confidence in the electoral process.

Organisers expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen democratic accountability and contribute to a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

Dr Gbenga Hashim and the NLC President Comrade Joe Ajero are Co- Chairmen of the Newly launched Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR).Representatives of Industrial Unions attended the Launch while the Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Denja Yaqub gave the vote of thanks.

dahmie2013:
Someone that hasn't saved his state, wants to save Nigeria. Interesting...

Basic123:
Well if we get sense.

He and sowore are better has replacement for Tinubu.Both are true breath of fresh air and ideas

BUT

Igbo will prefer peter OBI

Hausa/fulani/kanuri will prefer Atiku


Yorubu will want Tinubu to completer his 8years.

Nobody loves the country
We all know what we are doing

Leaders and supporters of the Accord Party in Kaduna State have reaffirmed their support for the party's presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, expressing confidence in his ability to provide leadership and address Nigeria's pressing challenges ahead of the 2027 general election.

The endorsement came during a rally held in Kaduna on Tuesday, where party members, youth groups, women associations, and community leaders gathered to demonstrate support for Olawepo-Hashim's candidacy.

Speaking at the event, a party leader, Sabo Jimeta, commended Olawepo-Hashim's long-standing involvement in national affairs, his commitment to democratic values, and his advocacy for economic reforms and national unity. He described the Accord Party candidate as a leader with the vision and experience required to move the country forward.

The rally attracted a large turnout of supporters who expressed optimism about the party's prospects in the 2027 presidential election. Participants carried banners and placards bearing various messages of support, while chants and songs underscored the enthusiasm of attendees.

Among the prominent slogans displayed at the event was the Hausa inscription, "Gbenga Hashim is the Saviour of Nigeria," reflecting the confidence some supporters have placed in the Accord Party candidate and his political agenda.

Party officials noted that the Accord Party recently concluded its affirmation primaries in several states, during which Olawepo-Hashim reportedly received widespread backing from delegates and members. According to the officials, the outcome of the exercise demonstrated confidence in his leadership and his vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.

Supporters at the rally argued that Olawepo-Hashim's candidacy presents Nigerians with an alternative political platform focused on economic revival, industrial development, national cohesion, and inclusive governance. They also called on voters to support leaders they believe possess the ideas, experience, and national outlook needed to address the country's challenges.

The Kaduna gathering is expected to be followed by similar mobilisation activities in other parts of the country as the Accord Party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.

Major roads and public spaces in parts of Lagos witnessed an unprecedented surge of political activity as thousands of supporters of the Accord Party converged for a massive rally and press conference that effectively brought commercial and vehicular movement to a standstill in several locations.

The rally and press conference, which drew party faithful, youth groups and supporters from across Lagos State, culminated in a resounding reaffirmation of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The party also presented certificate of returns to the various candidates of the party in Lagos State.

Party leaders and stakeholders used the occasion to dismiss ongoing controversies surrounding the party's presidential ticket.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, party representatives from various local govt described Hashim as a candidate uniquely positioned to provide practical solutions to Nigeria's economic, security, and governance challenges.

Adetebi Oluseyi from Alimisho declared that, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remains our presidential candidate. We are focused on building a national movement capable of rescuing Nigeria through competence, productivity, and visionary leadership,".

Supporters waved party waved banners, displayed campaign materials, and chanted slogans calling for a new direction in Nigerian politics. Many participants described Hashim as a bridge builder with the experience and national outlook needed to unite the country and drive economic transformation.

The rally came just days after Hashim's emergence at the party's presidential primary and follows a wave of endorsements and solidarity gatherings in different parts of the country.

With the massive turnout in Lagos following similar mobilizations in Abuja and elsewhere, supporters argue that the conversation around Hashim's candidacy is rapidly moving beyond party structures and evolving into a broader national movement centered on solutions, economic revival, and national renewal.

As the crowd dispersed after hours of speeches, music, and political engagement, one message remained clear, Accord Party faithful in Lagos are determined to rally behind Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as they prepare for the road to 2027.

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has emerged as the preferred presidential candidate of the Accord Party following the successful conduct of the party’s affirmation primaries held across several states of the federation.

The exercise, which recorded a massive turnout of party members and supporters, saw Dr. Hashim secure overwhelming affirmative votes, affirming his position as the party’s standard-bearer for the forthcoming presidential election.

Although he was unopposed going into the primaries, the exercise was conducted to allow party faithful to formally endorse his candidature through a democratic affirmation process.

Results received from participating states as of the time of filing this report showed that Hashim garnered a total of 423,902 affirmative votes.

A breakdown of the votes indicated that Jigawa State recorded the highest figure with 198,200 votes, followed by Kano State with 124,101 votes. Nasarawa State delivered 47,309 votes, while Kebbi State returned 46,852 votes.

Other results showed that Kwara State contributed 3,348 votes, while Lagos State recorded 4,548 affirmative votes in support of the candidate.

Party officials described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and reflective of the confidence members have in Olawepo-Hashim's leadership and vision for the country.

Speaking after the exercise, supporters hailed the outcome as a strong signal of the party's readiness to mobilise nationwide ahead of the general election, expressing optimism that the Accord Party would offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

They further described Hashim as a bridge builder capable of healing national divisions across North and South, as well as a unifier across religious lines, noting that his emergence represents a potential platform for reconciliation and national cohesion in a politically fragmented country.

helinues:
All the best to him.

The deal is, don't go to court after the election as you will be settled well

A prominent ally of late political patriarch, Olusola Saraki, Oba Ajara, has endorsed the presidential ambition of Gbenga Hashim ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as “the only true opposition leader” in Nigeria.

Oba Ajara, a 90-year-old veteran politician with over six decades of active political involvement, said his endorsement was informed by his wealth of experience and deep understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.

Speaking during a political gathering attended by leaders from across Kwara Central, Ajara declared that Hashim possesses the leadership qualities and courage needed to reposition the country.

“In my over 60 years in politics, I consider Dr. Gbenga Hashim the only true leader in Nigeria today with the capacity to rescue this country from its current state of helplessness,” he said.

The elder statesman lamented what he described as the collapse of opposition responsibility in Nigeria, accusing many opposition figures of failing to hold the government accountable.

According to him, the vacuum created by the absence of a vibrant opposition has weakened democratic engagement in the country.

“The opposition in Nigeria has abandoned its responsibility. It is only Gbenga Hashim who has remained consistent and committed to the fight against subjugation,” Ajara stated.

He further declared that the Accord Party would serve as the platform to actualize Hashim’s presidential ambition in 2027.

Ajara called on political stakeholders, supporters, and party loyalists across Kwara State and beyond to rally around the party, which he described as the emerging platform for a new national movement.
“That is where we will all converge to actualize this mission in 2027,” he added.

Political observers believe the endorsement may signal early political realignments within Kwara State, particularly among groups seeking alternatives to the dominant political structures ahead of the next general elections.

Responding to the endorsement, Gbenga Hashim expressed appreciation, describing the gesture as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

He reiterated his commitment to building a broad-based political movement anchored on justice, economic recovery, national unity, and democratic renewal.

Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Owode/Onire State Constituency seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly after winning the party’s re-election primary.

Shittu secured victory after defeating her only cleared challenger, Sulyman Ayegun, in a keenly contested primary election described by party officials and observers as a significant political development in the constituency.

Her emergence is considered remarkable given the long-standing political arrangement in Owode/Onire Constituency, where power rotation between the Owode and Onire axes has traditionally limited lawmakers to a single term in office.

Political stakeholders noted that Shittu’s victory reflects growing confidence in her performance and leadership among party members and grassroots supporters.

The young legislator, who gained national attention after emerging as Nigeria’s youngest elected lawmaker, is now set to fly the APC flag in the forthcoming general election.

If re-elected, Shittu would become the first lawmaker in the history of the constituency to secure a second term, effectively breaking a longstanding political pattern in the area.

Party supporters described the outcome as a major milestone for youth participation and women’s representation in politics, particularly within Kwara State.

Observers also believe the primary result has set the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched legislative contests in the state ahead of the next election cycle.

With political parties already intensifying mobilization efforts across the constituency, attention is expected to shift toward the general election campaign, where Shittu is likely to campaign on her legislative record, youth-focused initiatives and vision for continued representation of the constituency.