Presidential Hopefuls Unite: Sowore, Hashim, Adebayo Form Alliance, Demand Kanu's Release

In a significant political development, the presidential candidates of the Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) – Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Omoyele Sowore, and Prince Adewole Adebayo, respectively – have resolved to forge a common democratic front ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Following a crucial meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the leaders engaged in extensive deliberations concerning Nigeria’s democracy, economy, and security. A primary outcome of their discussions was an urgent demand for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and Bichia Maisango, coupled with a broader call for a review of cases involving Nigerians imprisoned for political expression, self-determination advocacy, or the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights. They specifically highlighted Kanu's agitation for Igbo political rights and aspirations, and Maisango, described as an advocate of Hausa Zallah cultural rights. Additionally, the candidates demanded an end to what they termed the legal and political persecution of Omoyele Sowore over his political activities, while emphasizing that their stance did not imply an endorsement of the individuals' views or methods, asserting that democratic societies must always accommodate dissent and peaceful disagreement.

The proposed alliance marks a potential realignment of opposition forces, driven by deep concerns over the perceived weakening of democratic institutions, shrinking space for political competition, and an unhealthy concentration of power in Nigeria. The leaders warned against the nation drifting towards "a coronation disguised as an election" and pledged to present Nigerians with a joint democratic alternative in 2027. This broad alliance aims to mobilize a diverse coalition of workers, youths, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and citizens across all ethnic, religious, regional, and political divides. They underscored that the "larger national interest must take precedence over individual political ambitions" and committed to defending Nigeria's multi-party system against any attempts at "political monopolisation," arguing that "a democracy without meaningful opposition is merely an electoral ritual." The candidates stressed that their alliance transcends mere anti-incumbency, aspiring instead to develop a credible governing alternative rooted in democratic accountability, economic justice, national security, institutional reform, social inclusion, and comprehensive national development. Further consultations are planned to determine the alliance's structure, modalities, and its eventual presidential candidate.

Economically, the opposition leaders launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, specifically targeting the removal of fuel subsidy and currency devaluation. They attributed these policies to the current economic hardships, including worsening living costs, declining purchasing power, rampant unemployment, and widespread economic distress. In response, they advocated for urgent economic reforms, calling for substantial salary reviews to ensure a genuine living wage, fostering stronger domestic production, promoting investment, creating jobs, and implementing effective measures to curb inflation.

On matters of national security, the candidates called for a proactive national security strategy, emphasizing intelligence gathering, technological integration, adequately equipped security forces, enhanced community cooperation, expanded economic opportunities, and rigorous prosecution of offenders. They firmly rejected "appeasement, selective enforcement and political complicity" that allows violent groups to operate with impunity. The leaders also asserted that genuine national unity must be founded on justice and inclusion, not on the suppression of differences. They extended an appeal to the international community, including democratic governments, regional institutions, and human-rights organizations, to closely monitor Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. Alleging attempts by certain individuals within the security architecture, electoral institutions, judiciary, legislature, and executive to undermine opposition and frustrate genuine political competition, they urged international partners to document credible evidence of democratic reversals. While rejecting foreign interference, they called for accountability for public office holders who abuse their powers and proposed targeted sanctions, such as visa restrictions, against those credibly linked to such activities. They concluded this segment by declaring that "Nigeria’s multi-party democracy must be preserved" and that "no individual, political party, security agency, electoral official or institution is bigger than the Nigerian Constitution."

Concurrently, the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) for the South-South and South-East zones was officially launched in Port Harcourt, with participants rallying for unity to "rescue" Nigeria. This movement is co-chaired by Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero. During the launch event at the NLC Labour House, NLC leaders and representatives from industrial unions converged to deliberate on the fundamental national question of restoring Nigeria’s democracy and hope. Hashim reflected on Nigeria's past as a prosperous, lending nation until 1976, lamenting the current decline of industrialization. He passionately declared, "But we must rescue our democracy. Any democracy that abandons the welfare of the workers is a mirage." Prince Adewole Adebayo urged Nigerians to defy intimidation and political pressure leading up to the 2027 elections, stating, "All workers must vote, because our problem is that our leaders today see themselves as colonial masters in black skin." Adebayo also emphasized the critical importance of ideological unity, advocating for the development of "cadres not for protest alone, but for government." Representing NLC President Ajaero, Comrade Denja Yakub reinforced the message of self-reliance, affirming, "Nobody will fight for us. We need to fight for ourselves," and added a crucial point: "There will never be industry for us if we don't have worker-friendly people in power." The event saw attendance from NLC chairmen across several states, leaders of industrial unions, civil society, and faith-based organizations, signaling broad support for the renewed push for democratic and economic change.