Olawepo-Hashim urges labour on defending democracy

The former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has called on Nigeria’s organised labour to take a more proactive role in safeguarding the nation’s democracy.

Olawepo-Hashim warned of growing signs of authoritarian tendencies that require the vigilance of the working class.

Olawepo-Hashim made the appeal during a visit to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, where he held discussions on the state of the nation and the role of workers in sustaining democratic governance.

The position was contained through an official release issued by the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Media Office and made available to  on Monday.

He noted the history of Nigeria’s political and social progress is closely tied to the sacrifices of the working class, noting that labour has consistently played a defining role in shaping the country’s democratic trajectory.

“Labour played a key role in the struggle for independence, and the working class was also a major force in our effort to end military dictatorship. The current democratic dispensation must equally benefit from such vigilance and commitment,” he noted.

Olawepo-Hashim warned that democracy risks losing its relevance if it fails to improve the welfare of citizens, particularly workers, urging political leaders to refocus governance on people-oriented policies capable of delivering tangible benefits.

He stressed that the marginalisation of workers could erode the legitimacy of democratic institutions, adding that inclusive governance remains critical to democratic stability.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties with the labour movement, the former presidential hopeful recalled his days as a student union leader in the 1980s, during which he actively supported workers’ struggles and social justice campaigns.

He also applauded the leadership of the NLC under Ajaero for what he described as courage and resilience in defending workers’ rights despite mounting pressures, noting that the commitment of the NLC leadership had attracted international recognition.

He cited the Arthur Svensson Prize for Trade Union Rights, which is billed to be conferred on Ajaero in Oslo, Norway, as evidence of the enduring relevance of Nigeria’s labour movement in the global struggle for workers’ rights.

Olawepo-Hashim further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between labour leaders and political actors to deepen democratic values and ensure governance remains people-centred.

The Nigeria Labour Congress is Nigeria’s largest trade union federation, representing millions of workers across various sectors of the economy.

Together with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, the NLC has remained vocal on national issues, particularly economic reforms, the rising cost of living, and governance concerns under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.