•Hashim, Sowore and Adebayo demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Bichia Maisango
•Seek international sanctions against undemocratic actors as a movement for democratic renewal is launched in Port Harcourt
THE presidential candidates of the Accord Party, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have decided 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, capital of Rivers State, where they deliberated on Nigeria’s democracy, economy and security over the weekend.
They expressed concern about the concentration of political power, the weakening of democratic institutions and the shrinking space for genuine political competition, and warned that Nigeria risks moving from a competitive multi-party democracy to what they described as “a coronation disguised as an election.”
Consequently, the leaders decided to align their political forces to present Nigerians with a joint democratic alternative in 2027.
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The proposed alliance will seek to mobilize workers, youth, women, professionals, businessmen, civil society organizations and Nigerians across ethnic, religious, regional and political divides.
They said future consultations would determine the structure, modalities and presidential candidate of the proposed alliance.
“The broader national interest must take priority over individual political ambitions,” they declared.
They demanded an immediate review of cases involving Nigerians detained or imprisoned for political expression, advocacy of self-determination or the peaceful exercise of constitutionally protected rights.
They specifically called for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose agitation has focused on the political rights and aspirations of the Igbo people, and Bichia Maisango, whom they identified as a defender of the cultural rights of Hausa Zallah.
They also called for an end to what they described as legal and political persecution of Omoyele Sowore for his political activities.
The leaders stressed that their position did not necessarily amount to endorsement of the opinions or methods of the people 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 organizations 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 thwart genuine political competition.
While rejecting foreign interference in Nigeria’s sovereign affairs, they called for accountability when individuals abuse public office or institutional authority to undermine constitutional democracy.
They urged international partners to document credible evidence of democratic setbacks and consider targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions and other legal measures, against individuals credibly proven to have engaged 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 NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Hashim, said Nigeria had always been a great country, but recent leaders had conspired to make it small.
According to him, “prosperity in Nigeria continued until 1976 and Nigeria was a lending nation, not a borrowing nation.”
“Today, industrialization has disappeared from Nigeria. But we must rescue our democracy. Any democracy that abandons the welfare of workers is a mirage.
Prince Adebayo Adewole, SDP presidential candidate, also spoke, urging Nigerians to reject intimidation and political pressure.
“All workers must vote, because our problem is that our leaders today see themselves as colonial masters dressed in black skin.”
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