Presidential aspirant under di Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, don declare say di ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) no go escape defeat for di 2027 general elections, insisting say nothing fit derail Nigeria multiparty democracy.
Olawepo-Hashim, wey be veteran of Nigeria pro-democracy struggle, accuse APC of using legal and institutional moves to weaken opposition parties ahead of di next election circle. According to am, di recent developments dey raise serious concern about di future of democratic competition for di country.
“We don pass this road before during Abacha military dictatorship, and e end with victory for true democracy, while those wey want one-man rule end in shame,” Olawepo-Hashim talk.
Di PDP chieftain reaffirm say Nigeria founding fathers deliberately choose multiparty democracy at independence and firmly plant am inside di constitution.
“Our founding fathers choose multiparty democracy, and by God grace, that legacy go remain. No group, no matter how smart or determined, go succeed to destroy Nigeria democratic system,” e add.
Olawepo-Hashim also warn against any attempt to turn Nigeria to authoritarian state, compare di situation to Zaire under late Mobutu Sese Seko, where long one-man rule destroy democratic institutions.
“One-man rule or one-party system no go happen for Nigeria. This na Nigeria. We no go allow anybody turn our democracy to mockery, like wetin happen for Zaire under Mobutu,” e talk.
E further raise concern over what e describe as selective administrative decisions for political party registration, alleging say some qualified political associations don face delays, while others wey dem believe dey close to di ruling party don receive interim approval.
Describing these actions as warning signs of democratic backsliding, Olawepo-Hashim call on Nigerians and di international community to stay alert and defend democratic values.
E urge “lovers of democracy all over di world” to consider lawful accountability actions, including travel restrictions and asset freezes, against individuals allegedly undermining Nigeria multiparty system, as long as dem follow due process and credible evidence.
According to am, only transparency, accountability and strict respect for di constitution fit protect democracy. Olawepo-Hashim express confidence say Nigerians go rise, defend democracy and remove APC from power peacefully, constitutionally and through di ballot box for 2027.
