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.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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