RismadarVoice Reporters, August 17, 2026
The presidential candidates of the Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have agreed to work together towards building a common democratic platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The decision was reached at a meeting in Port Harcourt over the weekend involving Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of Accord, Omoyele Sowore of the AAC and Adewole Adebayo of the SDP.
The opposition figures discussed the state of Nigeria’s democracy, economy and security, expressing concern over what they described as the growing concentration of political power and weakening of democratic institutions.
They warned that the country could be drifting away from competitive multiparty democracy towards a political system where election outcomes are effectively predetermined.
The three candidates subsequently agreed to begin aligning their political structures to offer Nigerians a joint alternative in 2027.
They said the proposed alliance would seek to bring together workers, youths, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, civil society groups and citizens across ethnic, religious, regional and political lines.
However, they said the structure of the alliance, its operational framework and the choice of a presidential candidate would be determined through further discussions, stressing that the national interest should take priority over individual ambitions.
The opposition leaders also demanded a review of cases involving Nigerians detained or prosecuted over political expression, self-determination advocacy and the exercise of constitutionally protected rights.
They specifically called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Bichia Maisango, while also demanding an end to what they described as the continued legal and political persecution of Sowore.
The candidates said their position should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the methods or views of those individuals.
They argued that a democratic society must provide room for dissent and peaceful disagreement.
The group also urged international democracy and human-rights organisations, regional institutions and democratic governments to monitor Nigeria’s political developments.
They raised concerns over alleged efforts by actors within security, electoral, judicial, legislative and executive institutions to weaken opposition parties and restrict political competition.
While rejecting foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, they called for accountability against public officials found to have abused their positions in ways that undermine constitutional democracy.
The candidates further called for credible evidence of democratic violations to be documented and said individuals found responsible should face lawful measures, including possible visa restrictions and other targeted sanctions.
They also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation.
According to them, the policies have contributed to rising living costs, reduced purchasing power, unemployment and broader economic hardship.
They advocated urgent economic measures, including improved wages, increased domestic production, investment incentives, job creation and stronger efforts to control inflation.
On security, the opposition leaders called for a comprehensive strategy based on intelligence gathering, technology, properly equipped security agencies, community participation, economic opportunities and effective prosecution of offenders.
They also criticised what they described as selective enforcement and political accommodation that allow violent groups to operate without sufficient consequences.
The three candidates pledged to defend Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and oppose any attempt to establish political monopoly.
They maintained that democracy requires strong opposition and that Nigerians must be free to form political parties, contest elections and challenge government policies without intimidation.
The leaders also argued that national unity must be based on justice and inclusion, stressing that differences should be accommodated rather than suppressed.
They described their proposed alliance as more than an anti-incumbency coalition, saying it was intended to develop a credible governing alternative centred on accountability, economic justice, security, institutional reform, inclusion and national development.
MDR Launches in Port Harcourt
Meanwhile, the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) has been launched for the South-South and South-East regions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with its organisers calling for greater political unity and democratic renewal.
The movement is co-chaired by Olawepo-Hashim and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero.
NLC leaders and representatives of industrial unions gathered at the Labour House in Port Harcourt for the launch, where speakers focused on what they described as the urgent need to restore confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and improve the welfare of citizens.
Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria had significant economic potential but accused successive leaders of failing to harness the country’s resources effectively.
He argued that the country had once been economically stronger and criticised the decline of industrialisation.
Hashim said democracy could not be considered meaningful if it failed to improve workers’ welfare.
Adebayo also urged Nigerians to resist intimidation and political pressure during elections, calling on workers to participate actively in the electoral process.
He emphasised the importance of ideological unity, arguing that political movements should develop structures and personnel capable of governing rather than focusing solely on protests.
Ajaero, who was represented at the event by Denja Yakub, said Nigerians could not rely on outsiders to solve the country’s problems.
He stressed the need for worker-friendly policies and leaders capable of supporting industrial development.
NLC leaders from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states attended the event.
