Nigeria on the Wrong Path, Says Labour's Olawepo‑Hashim

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — On Wednesday, organised labour joined former presidential candidate Dr Gbenga Olawepo‑Hashim, civil society groups, youth organisations, women leaders and other advocates to launch the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) in Abuja. The launch was prompted by concerns over governance, insecurity and a decline in public confidence in democratic institutions.

Organisers said the movement was created in response to worries about weakening institutions, a shrinking civic space and a loss of public trust in the electoral process. They said MDR would focus on accountability, constitutional rule, electoral integrity and inclusion.

At the event, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was represented by the Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Dr Steven Nabayi. Nabayi called for closer cooperation between labour, civil society groups and political actors on issues affecting governance and democracy.

“We actually need such a movement because things are not going the right way in the country,” Nabayi said. “Nigerians need good governance, and wherever we see initiatives to promote good governance, we are part of it.”

Addressing the gathering, Olawepo‑Hashim said the movement was established to defend democracy, strengthen institutions and promote governance that reflects the interests of citizens. “Our democracy should be truly representative through free and fair elections. Workers must not be left behind,” he said.

Olawepo‑Hashim highlighted rising inflation and the depreciation of the naira as eroding workers’ earnings and diminishing the impact of wage increases. He called for policies that would stabilise the currency, boost productivity, expand local production and strengthen energy security through increased domestic refining capacity. “Labour and true progressive leaders must continue to work hand in hand to protect democracy and advance the interests of the people,” he added.

The former presidential candidate also expressed concern over insecurity and urged stronger protection of lives and property across the country.

The event attracted hundreds of participants from across the country, including labour leaders, trade union representatives, civil society organisations, political stakeholders, youth groups and women’s organisations.

Organisers described MDR as a coalition of trade unionists, political actors, civil society organisations and citizens committed to democratic inclusion, electoral integrity, social justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law. They said the movement emerged from concerns over shrinking civic space, weakening institutions and declining public trust in the electoral process.

Olawepo‑Hashim and Ajaero were named Co‑Chairmen of the movement. Representatives of various industrial unions attended the launch.

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