Olawepo-Hashim and Falana vow to resist one-party rule in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana have affirmed their commitment to resisting any attempts to establish a one-party system in Nigeria. Following a strategic meeting, Olawepo-Hashim stated that pro-democracy forces would work to sustain Nigeria's multi-party democratic structure. He described Falana as a long-standing ally, with their relationship spanning over four decades, built on activism and a shared commitment to justice. Olawepo-Hashim recalled their involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle and his legal battles against military rule, including a 1988 suit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme where Falana served as his pro bono lawyer. He also highlighted Falana's role in his appointment as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights. Olawepo-Hashim emphasized that their alliance continues to focus on defending democratic values and political plurality in Nigeria, with ongoing consultations planned with other stakeholders. Nigeria has maintained a multi-party democratic system since 1999, but recent defections to the ruling party and the weakening of opposition platforms have raised concerns among political analysts about the potential for a de facto one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory have initiated an indefinite strike due to unresolved issues concerning their welfare, promotions, and outstanding entitlements. This action has led to disruptions in public schools across Abuja, raising concerns about the potential long-term effects on students if the dispute between the teachers' union and authorities continues.
Must ReadOil prices increased on Wednesday, with Brent North Sea crude nearing $100 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate trading above $90, despite a ceasefire extension between the US and Iran. European stock markets, including the FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX, saw declines due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mideast peace talks. Asian equities experienced mixed trading as investors awaited clarity on the conflict. Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, noted that the ceasefire extension has not calmed nerves, as worries persist about the energy squeeze's impact on the global economy and the elusive resolution to the conflict. Iranian gunboats reportedly attacked a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, even after US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire extension to allow more time for negotiations. Trump stated that the US blockade of Iran's ports would continue while Pakistani mediators attempt to revive dialogue. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed by Tehran since attacks by the United States and Israel seven weeks ago, which led to the Middle East war and rising energy prices, threatening global economic growth. Christopher Wong, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., suggested that the US and Iran might be seeking leverage, and the interim suspense could curtail risk appetite. Meanwhile, senators held a confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh, Trump's nominee to replace Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell. Warsh affirmed his indepe
Must ReadHealth experts and development partners have expressed concern that thousands of children in Nigeria are still undiagnosed and untreated for HIV. This issue was highlighted at the 2026 Paediatric Breakthrough Partnership Linking and Learning Meeting in Abuja, hosted by the Society for Family Health in collaboration with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Yusuf Dayyabu, representing the Chief Executive Officer of the Society for Family Health, stated that many children are being missed, infants are not diagnosed early enough, and opportunities to prevent transmission are lost. Data from 2023 shows over 285,000 children, adolescents, and pregnant and breastfeeding women received HIV services, with 2,879 individuals identified and enrolled in care. However, Nigeria has one of the highest global burdens of paediatric HIV, with approximately 260,000 children aged 0–14 living with the virus. Only about 45 percent of HIV-positive children receive antiretroviral therapy, a lower rate than adults. Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, described paediatric HIV as a public health and moral concern, noting that major gaps remain in reaching HIV-positive pregnant women, preventing loss to follow-up for HIV-exposed infants, and diagnosing children in the community. Dr. Aisha Dadi, Country Lead of the Paediatric Breakthrough Partnership, explained that children are harder to identify and often fall through
The Rivers State Police Command has dissolved all tactical teams and established a new Violent Crime Response Unit to enhance operational efficiency and public confidence. This move, announced by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, is in line with reforms by Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and implemented under Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. The new unit will respond to violent crime incidents while respecting human rights. The command also warned officers against extortion and unprofessional conduct, stating that violations of the Nigeria Police Force Code of Conduct will lead to strict disciplinary action. The Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the command's commitment to protecting lives and property and urged public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.