\n\nFormer presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim has called on Nigeria’s organised labour to become more actively involved in protecting and strengthening the country’s democracy, warning that it risks sliding into authoritarianism if citizens remain passive.
He made the appeal during a visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), where he stressed that workers have historically played a central role in Nigeria’s democratic struggles, including the fight against military rule and campaigns for independence. Hashim argued that the labour movement must once again assume that responsibility in today’s political climate. 
He further warned that democracy loses meaning when the welfare of citizens—especially workers—is ignored, urging political leaders to focus on policies that improve living standards. According to him, weakening the voice of labour also weakens accountability in governance and could deepen public distrust in democratic institutions. 
