Former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim has declared that pro-democracy groups across Nigeria will resist any attempt to impose a one-party system in the country.
Hashim made the statement on Wednesday after a meeting with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana. He said the engagement was part of ongoing consultations with key stakeholders aimed at protecting Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
“We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” Hashim said. 
He described Falana as a long-time associate, noting that their relationship spans over four decades. He said it is rooted in activism, resistance, and a shared commitment to justice.
Hashim recalled their joint participation in the anti-apartheid movement through the Nigeria–ANC Friendship and Cultural Association. He cited a protest on January 7, 1988, during the visit of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as one example of their collaboration.
According to him, he led a group of students who defied security restrictions to stage a protest at the airport tarmac. That action led to the arrest of five activists. He paid tribute to those involved, noting that only two are still alive, while Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze, and Rotimi Ewebiyi have since passed on.
Hashim also recounted his involvement in legal actions against military rule. He highlighted a 1988 suit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme under Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, with Falana serving as his pro bono counsel. He further referenced his 1989 detention during a constitutional case against the Attorney General of the Federation, which was handled by a legal team led by Alao Aka-Bashorun.
The former presidential candidate added that Falana played a key role in his emergence as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights. In that role he worked under the late Beko Ransome-Kuti. Hashim stressed that their long-standing alliance remains committed to defending democratic values, civil liberties, and political plurality in Nigeria. He said the stance reflects growing concerns among pro-democracy advocates about the country’s political direction and affirmed his readiness to work with like-minded stakeholders to safeguard democracy.
