•Hashim, Sowore, Adebayo demand release of Nnamdi Kanu, Bichia Maisango
•Seek international sanctions against anti-democratic actors as movement for democratic renewal launches in Port Harcourt
THE presidential candidates of the Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have resolved to work together towards a common democratic force ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in what could become a significant realignment of Nigeria’s opposition politics.
The three candidates, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of Accord, Mr Omoyele Sowore of AAC and Prince Adewole Adebayo of SDP, reached the resolution after a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, where they deliberated on Nigeria’s democracy, economy and security during the weekend.
They expressed concern over the concentration of political power, weakening of democratic institutions and shrinking space for genuine political competition, warning that Nigeria risks moving from competitive multi-party democracy towards what they described as “a coronation disguised as an election.”
The leaders consequently resolved to align their political forces towards presenting Nigerians with a joint democratic alternative in 2027.
The proposed alliance will seek to mobilise workers, youths, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations and Nigerians across ethnic, religious, regional and political divides.
Further consultations, they said, would determine the structure, modalities and presidential candidate of the proposed alliance.
“The larger national interest must take precedence over individual political ambitions,” they declared.
They demanded an immediate review of cases involving Nigerians detained or imprisoned over political expression, self-determination advocacy or the peaceful exercise of constitutionally protected rights.
They specifically called for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose agitation has centred on the political rights and aspirations of the Igbo people, and Bichia Maisango, whom they identified as an advocate of Hausa Zallah cultural rights.
They also called for an end to what they described as the legal and political persecution of Omoyele Sowore over his political activities.
The leaders stressed that their position did not necessarily amount to an endorsement of the views or methods of the individuals concerned.
“Democratic societies must accommodate dissent and peaceful disagreement,” they said.
The three candidates called on the international community, democratic governments, regional institutions and international democracy and human-rights organisations to closely monitor Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
They expressed concern over alleged attempts by individuals within the security architecture, electoral institutions, judiciary, legislature and executive to weaken opposition parties, manipulate public institutions and frustrate genuine political competition.
While rejecting foreign interference in Nigeria’s sovereign affairs, they called for accountability where individuals abuse public office or institutional authority to undermine constitutional democracy.
They urged international partners to document credible evidence of democratic reversals and consider targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions and other lawful measures, against individuals credibly established to have participated in such activities.
Meanwhile, the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) for the South-South and South-East zones was launched on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with speakers calling for unity of purpose to rescue the country.
The MDR is Co-Chaired by Dr Gbenga Hashim and the NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Hashim, said Nigeria had always been a great country but that recent leaders had conspired to make it small.
According to him, “the prosperity in Nigeria continued until 1976 and Nigeria was a lender, not a borrowing nation.”
“Today, industrialisation has gone out of Nigeria. But we must rescue our democracy. Any democracy that abandons the welfare of the workers is a mirage.
Also speaking, Prince Adebayo Adewole, presidential candidate of the SDP urged Nigerians to reject intimidation and political pressure.
“All workers must vote, because our problem is that our leaders today see themselves as colonial masters in black skin.”