₦airaland Forum

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.

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.

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.

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!

experts:
Peter Obi can't go anywhere.

He should step down and support Gbenga Hashim.

Obidient Movement should also convert all their platforms to Gbenga Hashim 2027 platform and maybe they can be relevant again.

Gbenga Hashim is the rave

Apcshit:
Thunder fire NLC for not supporting NDC

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.

experts:
Gbenga is a national figure, not a regional man like Obi.

North West are yearning for Hashim.

South West wants Gbenga.

North Central is for Olawepo.

Gbenga is the national figure that both Christians and Muslims trust

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.

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:
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.

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.

Burob:
I believe that they have realized that Peter Obi is a fraud, & have withdrawn their support for the Agulu messiah?

He is working for Tinubu, Atiku & Co brought him to the ADC to try & tame him, he still escaped.

He has kept to his word, that by hook or crook, he will be on the presidential ballot.

experts:
God bless NLC for supporting Gbenga Hashim.

NLC is full of experience people and they are wise to support Gbenga Hashim

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

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.

Apcshit:
Thunder fire NLC for not supporting NDC

Noey:
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim brings something rare to Nigerian leadership: proven activism, real business success in the energy sector, and a lifelong commitment to uniting the country. While others talk about change, Hashim has lived it — from fighting apartheid and military rule to building bridges across divides today. Nigeria needs a leader with both principles and practical solutions in 2027. Hashim is that leader!

Olamidimeji2026:
History doesn’t lie. While Hashim was on the streets risking it all for democracy, some were busy aligning with military interests. Labour movement knows who their genuine ally is, that’s why progressive voices are rallying behind Gbenga Hashim. True fighter, true leader!