Hashim vows to resist one-party agenda, meets Falana
Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has said pro-democracy forces across the country will resist any attempt to impose a one-party system on the nation. Hashim spoke after meeting with
Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has said pro-democracy forces across the country will resist any attempt to impose a one-party system on the nation.
Hashim spoke after meeting with Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).
The former presidential aspirant said the meeting was a part of his consultations with key stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
“We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” he stated.
Describing Falana as a long-time ally, Hashim said their relationship has been cordial for over four decades with their common interest rooted in activism, resistance, and commitment to justice.
He recalled their involvement in the anti-apartheid movement under the Nigeria–ANC Friendship and Cultural Association, particularly a major protest held on January 7, 1988, during the visit of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Read Also: Edun, Dangiwa resigned, not sacked — Presidency clarifies
Hashim said he led a student contingent that defied security restrictions and advanced onto the airport tarmac in a protest, an action that led to the arrest of five activists.
The former presidential aspirant paid tribute to participants in the struggles, saying only two of them are still alive, while others, including Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze, and Rotimi Ewebiyi, have since passed away.
Beyond activism, Hashim highlighted his legal battles against military rule, including a 1988 suit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) under the Ibrahim Babangida government, in which Falana served as his pro bono lawyer.
He also referenced his detention in 1989 in a landmark constitutional case against the Attorney General of the Federation, handled by a legal team, led by the late Alao Aka-Bashorun, then President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).
Hashim also announced that Falana played a pivotal role in his appointment as the National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, where he worked under the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti.
He stressed that their enduring alliance has continued to focus on defending democratic values, civil liberties, and political plurality in Nigeria.
