Former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has vowed that pro-democracy groups across Nigeria will oppose any move to establish a one-party system.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, Hashim made the assertion after a meeting with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.
He noted that the engagement was part of ongoing consultations with key stakeholders to preserve Nigeria’s multi-party democratic framework.
“We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” he stated.
He described Falana as a long-standing associate, saying their relationship spans more than four decades, anchored on activism, resistance, and a shared pursuit of justice.
Hashim recalled their joint involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle under the Nigeria–ANC Friendship and Cultural Association, including a protest on January 7, 1988, during the visit of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
According to him, he led a group of students who defied security restrictions to stage a protest at the airport tarmac, an action that resulted in the arrest of five activists.
He paid tribute to those involved, noting that only two are still alive, while Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze and Rotimi Ewebiyi have passed away.
Hashim also highlighted his history of legal resistance against military rule, including a 1988 suit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme under the regime of Ibrahim Babangida, in which Falana served as his pro bono counsel.
He further referenced his detention in 1989 during a constitutional case against the Attorney General of the Federation, handled by a legal team led by Alao Aka-Bashorun.
The former presidential candidate added that Falana played a significant role in his emergence as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, where he worked under the late Beko Ransome-Kuti.
Hashim stressed that their longstanding alliance remains committed to defending democratic principles, civil liberties and political plurality in the country.
He said the position reflects growing concerns among pro-democracy advocates over Nigeria’s political direction, adding that he is prepared to work with like-minded stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s democratic system.
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