Organised labour joins forces with Hashim to launch Democratic Renewal Movement

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, organised labour, civil society leaders, politicians, youth groups, women leaders, and pro-democracy advocates have joined forces with Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, to launch the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) in Abuja. The event which took place on Wednesday drew participants from across the country, united by a […]

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, organised labour, civil society leaders, politicians, youth groups, women leaders, and pro-democracy advocates have joined forces with Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, to launch the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) in Abuja.

The event which took place on Wednesday drew participants from across the country, united by a shared commitment to strengthen democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and expanding citizen participation.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Dr. Steven Nabayi, said organised labour was working with Hashim because of his credibility, integrity, and long standing commitment to democratic practice in Nigeria.

 He said Labour recognised him as a partner in advancing democratic values and protecting workers’ interests.

  “We actually need such a movement because things are not going the right way in the country. 

Nigerians need good governance, and wherever we see initiatives to promote good governance, we are part of it,” Nabayi said.

 The launch featured labour leaders, civil society representatives, youth organisations, women groups, and political stakeholders who pledged support for democratic renewal and national development.

  Addressing the gathering, Hashim said the Movement for Democratic Renewal was established to defend democracy, strengthen institutions, and ensure governance remains responsive to ordinary Nigerians.

 He commended workers, youth groups, women leaders, and civil society actors for their commitment to democratic values and nation-building.

 “Our democracy should be truly representative through free and fair elections. Workers must not be left behind,” Hashim said.

He warned that rising inflation and naira depreciation were eroding workers’ earnings, noting that wage increases lose value when purchasing power continues to fall.

 He further raised concerns over insecurity, calling for stronger protection of lives and property across the country.

 According to organisers, MDR is a coalition of trade unionists, political actors, civil society groups, and citizens committed to democratic inclusion, electoral integrity, social justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

 

They said the movement was launched in response to concerns over shrinking civic space, weakening institutions, and declining public confidence in the electoral process.