Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed strong confidence in the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that no individual, institution, or administrative strategy can derail the country’s multiparty system.
Olawepo-Hashim argued that even during the darkest periods of military rule, democracy ultimately prevailed. He recalled that despite the authoritarian grip of the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, efforts to impose one-man rule failed, and democratic forces eventually triumphed. According to him, this historical experience should serve as a reminder that attempts to weaken democratic structures in Nigeria are destined to fail.
He maintained that neither legal technicalities nor administrative actions can overturn the collective will of Nigerians to practice democratic governance. In his view, recent political developments reflect a worrying trend that could undermine fair competition among political parties, raising serious concerns about the long-term health of the nation’s democracy.
Drawing from history, Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria has “been down this road before” and emerged stronger. He noted that under Abacha’s dictatorship, those who sought to entrench authoritarian rule were ultimately disgraced, while advocates of true democracy prevailed. He described this outcome as a testament to the enduring strength of democratic ideals in the country.
The PDP stalwart also emphasized that Nigeria’s commitment to political pluralism is deeply rooted in its founding principles. He explained that the nation’s founding fathers deliberately adopted a multiparty system at independence and enshrined it in the Constitution to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few. According to him, this foundational decision cannot be undone by any group, regardless of its influence or determination.
Olawepo-Hashim warned strongly against any drift toward authoritarianism, cautioning that Nigeria must not repeat the mistakes seen in other countries. He drew a parallel with the former Zaire under Mobutu Sese Seko, where prolonged one-man rule gradually dismantled democratic institutions and reduced governance to a hollow exercise. He stressed that such a scenario has no place in Nigeria’s political future.
He further raised concerns about what he described as selective and inconsistent administrative actions in the registration of political parties. According to him, while several political associations that meet the required criteria appear to be stalled or frustrated in the registration process, others believed to be sympathetic to the ruling party have reportedly been granted interim recognition.
Describing these developments as early warning signs of democratic regression, Olawepo-Hashim called on Nigerians to remain alert and proactive in defending democratic values. He also appealed to the international community and global democracy advocates to closely monitor events in the country.
In his appeal, he urged “lovers of democracy across the world” to consider lawful and targeted accountability measures against individuals allegedly working to undermine Nigeria’s multiparty system. Such measures, he said, should be based on credible evidence and due process and could include actions such as travel restrictions and asset freezes, all aimed at preserving democratic norms and institutions in Nigeria.
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