Chidinma Iroegbu
Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has urged the Nigerian Labour movement to take a leading role in protecting the country’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hashim made the call during a visit to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, where he warned against what he described as a gradual drift towards a one-party state under President Bola Tinubu.
He said the Nigerian Labour movement has historically played a major role in political reforms and national development, stressing that workers must again defend democratic values.
Hashim warned that democracy would lose relevance if governments fail to prioritise workers’ welfare and policies that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, yesterday led a delegation of South-East leaders to the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan for consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Members of the delegation included former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa; former NDDC Managing Director, Onyema Ugochukwu; and Senator Victor Umeh.
Speaking after the meeting, Obi said Jonathan emphasised the need for “free, fair and credible elections” and reiterated his opposition to a one-party system.
Obi described Jonathan as a committed democrat who served the country faithfully, adding that the delegation consulted him because of his experience and national stature.
On reports of political endorsement, Obi clarified that the visit was purely consultative, saying: “We’re not talking about an endorsement yet. When I become a candidate, I’ll come back for endorsement.”
The meeting came days after Jonathan held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, although details of their discussion were not disclosed.