Accord Party presidential candidate and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the alleged attack on human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration, describing it as a disturbing threat to Nigeria’s democratic values.
Olawepo-Hashim said the rights to peaceful protest, free expression and civic participation are fundamental pillars of democracy and must be protected at all times.
He warned that democracy cannot thrive where citizens are intimidated for demanding accountability or expressing concerns about governance.
According to him, Democracy Day should serve not only as a celebration of the return to civilian rule but also as a reminder of the obligation to uphold democratic principles, including freedom of expression, justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“Democracy is strengthened when citizens can freely speak, organise and demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Any attempt to suppress these freedoms weakens democracy itself,” he said.
The former presidential candidate, who recently became MDR co-chair alongside NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the movement was established to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic space and resist any slide towards authoritarianism.
He also decried what he described as the continued harassment of Sowore, including the seizure of his passport, which he noted remains unresolved despite legal interventions.
Olawepo-Hashim said MDR would continue to mobilise democratic forces, civil society groups, labour unions and citizens committed to defending democratic institutions and expanding civic freedoms.
“Nigeria must never return to an era where dissent is criminalised and citizens are denied their democratic rights. Defending democracy is the collective responsibility of all who believe in freedom, justice and accountable leadership,” he said.
He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights while maintaining public order.
