Insists Nigeria’s Democratic Project Must Be Defended
Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently direct the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, describing its continued retention as an overreach of state authority and a direct challenge to democratic liberties.
Dr. Hashim made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting Sowore, who paid him a courtesy visit during an engagement with PDP Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Also present at the meeting were Hashim’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.
In his remarks, Hashim reflected on their shared history in the pro-democracy movement, tracing their collaboration back to 1989, when Sowore was among those he mentored in the struggle for civil liberties and political accountability.
He emphasized that the interaction was not driven by nostalgia, but by a sober reflection on the sacrifices that laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic space.
According to Hashim, Sowore’s resilience, consistency, and refusal to succumb to intimidation have positioned him as a symbol of principled dissent and an inspiration to a new generation of Nigerians seeking systemic political change.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a cause worth defending, stressing that progress, though difficult, remains achievable.
Hashim condemned what he described as the prolonged harassment of Sowore for his outspoken advocacy, noting that the continued seizure of his passport amounts to punitive action without judicial conviction and infringes on his right to family life and freedom of movement.
He warned that democratic systems are imperiled when dissent is treated as a crime, underscoring that safeguarding opposing views is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of democratic governance.
Consequently, Hashim urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively by ordering the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, adherence to the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
The meeting also offered Sowore the opportunity to reconnect with longtime associates, as participants reflected on pivotal moments that shaped their enduring commitment to democracy, civic responsibility, and accountable leadership.
