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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Organised labour, civil society leaders, politicians, youth groups, women leaders, and pro-democracy advocates on Wednesday joined forces with Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) was formally launched in Abuja.
The event drew hundreds of participants from across the country, united by a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and expanding citizen participation.
This is as leaders and supporters of the Accord Party (AP) in Kaduna State reaffirmed their support for the party’s presidential candidate, expressing confidence in his ability to provide leadership and address Nigeria’s pressing challenges ahead of the 2027 general election.
The endorsement came during a rally in Kaduna yesterday, where party members, youth groups, women associations, and community leaders gathered to demonstrate support for Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy.
A party leader, Sabo Jimeta, commended Olawepo-Hashim’s long-standing involvement in national affairs, his commitment to democratic values, and his advocacy for economic reforms and national unity. He described the Accord Party candidate as a leader with the vision and experience required to move the country forward.
The rally attracted a large turnout of supporters who expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election. Participants carried banners and placards bearing various messages of support, while chants and songs underscored the enthusiasm of attendees.
Slogans displayed at the event was the Hausa inscription, “Gbenga Hashim is the saviour of Nigeria,” reflecting the confidence some supporters have placed in the AP candidate and his political agenda.
Party officials noted that the party recently concluded its affirmation primaries in several states, during which Olawepo-Hashim reportedly received widespread backing from delegates and members. According to the officials, the outcome of the exercise demonstrated confidence in his leadership and his vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
Supporters at the rally argued that Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy presents Nigerians with an alternative political platform focused on economic revival, industrial development, national cohesion, and inclusive governance. They also called on voters to support leaders they believe possess the ideas, experience, and national outlook needed to address the country’s challenges.
The Kaduna gathering is expected to be followed by similar mobilisation activities in other parts of the country as the Accord Party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who was represented by chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Dr. Steven Nabayi, has said organised labour was working with Hashim because of his credibility, integrity and long standing commitment to democratic practice in Nigeria.
He said Labour recognised him as a partner in advancing democratic values and protecting workers’ interests.
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“We actually need such a movement because things are not going the right way in the country. Nigerians need good governance, and wherever we see initiatives to promote good governance, we are part of it,” he said.
The launch featured labour leaders, civil society representatives, youth organisations, women groups, and political stakeholders who pledged support for democratic renewal and national development.
Addressing the gathering, Hashim said the MDR was established to defend democracy, strengthen institutions, and ensure governance remains responsive to ordinary Nigerians.
He commended workers, youth groups, women leaders, and civil society actors for their commitment to democratic values and nation-building.
“Our democracy should be truly representative through free and fair elections. Workers must not be left behind.”
Hashim warned that rising inflation and naira depreciation were eroding workers’ earnings, noting that wage increases lose value when purchasing power continues to fall.
He proposed policies to stabilise the currency, boost productivity, expand local production, and strengthen energy security through increased domestic refining capacity.
Hashim also urged deeper collaboration between labour, civil society, and true progressive political forces, saying organised labour has always played a central role in Nigeria’s democratic struggles.
“Labour and true progressive leaders must continue to work hand in hand to protect democracy and advance the interests of the people,” he said.
He also raised concerns over insecurity, calling for stronger protection of lives and property across the country.
According to organisers, MDR is a coalition of trade unionists, political actors, civil society groups, and citizens committed to democratic inclusion, electoral integrity, social justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
They said the movement was launched in response to concerns over shrinking civic space, weakening institutions, and declining public confidence in the electoral process.
Organisers expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen democratic accountability and contribute to a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
