Gbenga Hashim Calls for Opposition Unity Against One-Party State

Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), called for a united front among opposition politicians to resist the gradual drift towards a one-party state in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with leaders of the Accord Party, Hashim emphasized the urgency of collaboration among political actors to preserve democratic pluralism. He expressed concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of imposing an unconstitutional electoral timeline that pressures opposition parties.

Hashim highlighted that the current requirement for parties to submit candidate lists by the end of May, as opposed to the legally stipulated 120 days before elections, creates undue pressure amidst internal disputes within these parties. He noted that this situation is exacerbated by external pressures and the increasing constraints faced by opposition parties.

Hashim's remarks follow earlier discussions with Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), indicating a broader strategy for opposition alignment ahead of future elections.