Olawepo-Hashim Urges Nigerians To Protect Democracy

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on Nigerians to safeguard the nation’s democracy, urging both citizens and leaders to remain vigilant amid current political developments.

In a statement titled “Reminiscence: The Price of Our Democracy,” Olawepo-Hashim reflected on the sacrifices that paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic rule, recalling his detention in the late 1980s and the international campaign that followed. He stressed that the country’s democratic freedoms were earned through “incarceration, tears, blood, and, for many, the ultimate price.”

His remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing national debates over governance, democratic accountability, and the direction of political leadership under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Olawepo-Hashim revealed that two historical artifacts had recently resurfaced, offering a vivid glimpse into that period of struggle. One was a December 1989 publication by the International Union of Students, which documented a global campaign calling for his release alongside South Korean student activist Rim Suyong. In the absence of an official photograph, the publication used an illustrative image to represent him.

The second item, he noted, was a handmade protest poster demanding the release of himself and fellow activist Gbenga Komolafe, who later joined him in detention. He said the materials underscored both the grassroots and international dimensions of the pro-democracy movement.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current democratic journey, Olawepo-Hashim acknowledged the progress made since the return to civil rule but warned against complacency. He emphasized that the core ideals of the struggle—freedom, justice, and accountable governance—must be preserved and strengthened.

“Our generation stood at the forefront of a global pro-democracy movement that swept across Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia,” he said, adding that the responsibility to protect and deepen democracy now rests with all Nigerians.